Thank you so much to Gnome Road Publishing and Netgalley for the ebook to read and review.

Dexter loses his house and finds all his cherished belongings on the ground, as he gathers them up he stores them in his cheeks for safe keeping. His friends surround him with love and comfort for his big loss, but he can’t speak or even smile as his life is packed in his cheecks.

What an absolutely gorgeous story, I loved Dexter he was so cute, I felt so sad for him seeing that horrible truck in the background knowing what had caused his home to be gone. I wanted him to so badly empty his mouth in his new home. I was so happy when his friends cared so much that he couldn’t hold it in anymore.

A really wonderful story for young children to read, it teaches of empathy and kindness and friendship. It has really beautiful illustrations that you can’t not admire looking at, seeing his house and belongings on the ground, seeing his little cheeks getting bigger and all his wonderful animal friends. It’s such a beautifully created book.

A lovely illustrated book that covers important topics such as grief, loss and mental health within its story.
I received a complimentary e-copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

His home was gone and all of his belongings were scattered EVERYWHERE. Being a chipmunk, he gathered together whatever he could and stuffed EVERYTHING into his pouchy cheeks to keep it all safe. But until he was ready, he couldn't thank all of his friends and LAUGH again! Super good interpretation of the feeling of loss when things are taken/damaged.
The illustrations by the Sara Aziz are lovingly detailed, delightfully colorful, and FUN!
Well suited for reading WITH someone any age from 4 and up, including ESL, and great for gifting to everyone, but especially to a school or your local public library!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected eGalley on Adobe Digital Editions from Gnome Road Publishing via NetGalley. Avail Mar 11, 2025
#ReadyToSmileAgain by Katie Lee Reinert with illustrator @sara.aziz.limopani #NetGalley @gnomeroadpublishing #friendship #lossofthings #childrensbookillustration #childrensbook #picturebooks #kidlitart #kidlit #digitalart #drawingsforkids #makingpeoplehappy #Illustrated #NetGalley #goodreads #bookbub #librarythingofficial #barnesandnoble #waterstones ***** Review #booksamillion #bookshop_org #bookshop_org_uk #childrensbookcouncil

I received a copy of this eBook from NetGalley for a honest review.

I love Dexter and understand his need to keep his stuff safe. I loved that with his friends support he grew to understand that he couldn't keep it all inside of him. A very sweet book.

I thought that this was a really nice story that was east to follow and understand.

In the story we a grieving Chipmunk who has lost his home and some of his belongings in a natural disaster (a storm where his home was damaged and fell down). He collects what he can from what is left and stores these in his cheeks so that they are safe, and can't be lost again. Bless him, we did feel sorry for him!

The book shows how kind some of the other animals are and so many of his friends offer to help him, but as he has filled his pouches and mouth with his belongings he can't talk and doesn't smile. It takes a little time but everything all works out well in the end.

The book has some lovely illustrations and I can see this book being a great addition to primary school libraries to use as a prompt to talk about loss, and moving on, it is a great way to discuss any fears that a child may have. The story was really well done.

It is 4 stars from me for this one - highly recommended!

I received an electronic ARC from Gnome Road Publishing through NetGalley.
Tenderly written story that shares what happens after a natural disaster. Dexter's home fell down and destroyed most of his stuff. He gathered what he could and stored them in his chipmunk cheeks as he believed that was the only way to keep them safe. So many friends offered help and support but he wouldn't talk (he couldn't) or smile. I appreciate the way Reinert shows him realize he has to let go and take a chance. The illustrations support the text and bring the emotions out. A much needed book for families who have faced disasters of their own.

This is a really great book to help kids that just moved houses and need some support. This book is great for that because the author creates a main character that has realistic emotions and a realistic story. Additionally, this book shows readers that "bad" emotions don't last forever, and it demonstrates the value of friendship in hard times. Our main character leans on friends to find comfort in feeling happy again, which makes for such a heartwarming story. Even further, the illustrations effortlessly convey emotion, which is very important for this book's meaning to land correctly. I have nothing bad to say about this book, truly. Bravo!

ARC copy from NetGalley. Great illustrations. Message comes across to me as being comfortable enough to feel safe after an event that makes you scared. The main character had a support system, but he just didn't recognize it until the end. The main character is a squirrel, and it's implied that he's "tucking away" things and can't let them out. I think there should have been a quick explanation for how/why squirrels "tuck away" in mouth. Other than that, the book was great and got 4⭐️!

This is a beautiful book that covers important themes such as grief, loss and mental health within its story.
I felt this resonated with me so much and I think that lots of readers can get something out of this.
The illustrations are really cute and the story very touching.

Very cute book for 3-7 year olds. Would be good to explain anxiety from moving or the anxiety/trauma from a refugee.