About this book

On a beautiful sunny day, happy-go-lucky Smiley Bone is walking through the woods when he begins to count some friendly birds. The birds sing and climb so high that Smiley must find a fantastical way to keep up with them!

With lively drawings and expressive word balloons, Jeff Smith has created a one-of-a-kind picture book that will delight the youngest readers.

Reviews

A New York Times Editors' Choice

"If you plan to steer a child toward the Bone books later (and you should!), this is a terrific introduction to a world full of wonder and unexpected rewards." -- The New York Times

"This is an unusually friendly and gentle story, wrapped in a lovely yet dynamic package. Smith's warmly embracing style proves a natural for picture books, and his sensibility is perfectly pitched to a younger readership." -- Booklist

"Smith's line is masterfully controlled, and each of Smiley's emotions -- interest, dismay, elation -- will be clear even to the youngest viewers. The generous trim size further shows off the spreads, which have the appeal of classic Sunday funnies." -- Publishers Weekly

"Full-page illustrations, some wordless and some sprinkled with dialogue balloons, convey the plot in a simple graphic novel–style format, and the bright cartoon artwork has an engaging fluidity and energy." -- School Library Journal