A COMPLIMENT WITH WINGS

A single ray of sun sets off a domino effect of good deeds and smiles.

When Sammy wakes up, he can’t help but compliment his mother, who’s standing in the sunlight from the window, glowing. “You look so beautiful, Mom,” he tells her. This warms her heart, and she decides to surprise him with pancakes in his lunch box. When Sammy shares them with Moira at lunchtime, Mr. Silas sees the interaction and decides to muster the courage to ask Mr. Billy to dinner. Seeds from a dandelion puff soar through the pages, connecting one person to the next as their actions tumble over each other, setting off a chain reaction. Mr. Billy is so happy that he moves his classroom outdoors, and two students find a lost locket in the sandbox. This necklace belongs to Annie, whose mother gave it to her before she passed away. The story comes full circle as Annie’s family gets a dog from the shelter—where Sammy’s mom works. The special little pup is named after the boy whose compliment started it all. This soft-spoken Dutch translation, with downy, pastel art, calmly drifts along, matching the gentle floating of the dandelion fluff. Sammy, his mother, Mr. Billy, Annie, and most other characters present white, although characters of color, including brown-skinned Mr. Silas, are featured.

Proof that one small act can have a very far reach.