Songs to Make You Smile by Natsuki Takaya – 208 pages
This is a collection of short stories, most of which take expression,
artistic or otherwise for their theme, and how bringing forth what’s inside
brings one person closer to another. A boy writes a song for a girl so he can bring
a smile to her face, and it brings them both happiness. A girl who thinks she was unloved by a
deceased father is shown a closet of wrapped presents he never gave her by her
stepmother. A viola-playing girl with a
simple and direct style helps a violin-playing boy express his true music and
be heard by others. A boy who likes to
make quilts and stuffed animals finally finds the courage to give a handmade
dress to his crush. Short, sweet tales
from the creator of Fruits Basket.
