Satoshi Kitamura
is an award-winning children's picture book author and illustrator. As a child, he drew constantly and devoured comics. A self-taught artist, his career began in advertising and magazines before he moved to London, where he debuted as a picture book illustrator with Hiawyn Oram's Angry Arthur, a 1983 Mother Goose Award-winner for the Most Exciting Newcomer to British Illustration. Since then, he has illustrated over twenty of his own books, plus collaborated on many others.

"Told in the first person, the boy's narrative features evocative language that conveys his experiences as he takes in the sights, smells, and temptations of the shops. Simple illustrations brimming with eye-catching details are stylistically reminiscent of Uri Shulevitz with a dash of Tomie dePaola. . . The classic, subdued palette perfectly complements the boy's journey. . . A satisfyingly—deceptively—simple tale about sincere pleasures in hectic times."
— Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

"[A] wonderful story. . . The busy illustrations. . . feature fine but imprecise line work that give a childlike quality to scenes sure to resonate with young readers. . . A lovely reflection on happiness."
— Booklist

"The illustrations are lovely to see; they are filled with incredible detail and show all of the emotions felt. The colors used reflect the boy's mood as he is dejected by his loss, and then encouraged by the kindness. The spreads show a culturally diverse community, detailed scenes, gentle humor, and the realization that one smile can be a game-changer. A simply told story, with so much to say."
— Sal's Fiction Addiction