SMILE How Young Charlie Chaplin Taught the World to Laugh (and Cry)

Charlie Chaplin fought his way to survive.  His fought with singing to street crowds and then cavorting on the “silent screen” in a sad funny way that captured hearts.  Charlie Chaplin became one of the world’s most beloved performers as he showed us the connection between laughter and tears. Charlie began his journey as a little slip of a very hungry five-year-old boy who roamed the streets of London doing whatever he could to earn a few coins to buy food for himself and his mother.  His father had disappeared.  His mother was ill.  She had been a brilliant performer and singer.

From the book written by Gary Golio and illustrated by Ed Young:

“Ah, little Charlie!

Critics loved him.  Audiences adored him.

More than just acting

Now he was learning

To really make people care ….

Charlie was funny, a natural.

He’d make people squeal just by

Stumbling, slipping, or taking a fall ….”

 

And in Charlie Chaplin’s own words about himself:

“You know this fellow is many-sided, a tramp, a gentleman, a poet, a dreamer, a lonely fellow, always hopeful of romance and adventure.  He would have you believe he is a scientist, a musician, a duke, a polo player.  However, he is not above picking up cigarette butts or robbing a baby of its candy.  And, of course, if the occasion warrants it, he will kick a lady in the rear ….”

A delightful book that will cause you to laugh, to cry, to realize how human we all are.