A Smile

Raoul Follereau (1903-1977) was a French writer, poet, journalist and humanitarian, who established World Leprosy Day, celebrated on the last sunday of January. A tireless campaigner for the dignity of the marginalised, he travelled the globe over thirty times with his wife Madeleine, speaking up for the poor, sick and excluded. His poem ‘A Smile’ knows no cultural barriers. It has been translated into many languages, and continues to uplift the spirits of all who read it.

Hoda Hadadi has illustrated over 60 children’s books. Her stunning, intricate artwork, usually collage, has been published internationally. Awards include the Gold Medal for Best Picture Book, International Book Award 2018 USA; Gold Medal for Best Illustrator,Literary Classics Award USA, 2017 for DRUMMER GIRL; Gold Medal for Best Illustrator, Moonbeam Award USA, 2017 for DRUMMER GIRL; and Best Arabic Books: Award for Children 2015, Bahrain. Hoda is also a poet and an author. She lives in Tehran.