The most mysterious deal in all of children's literature

Boy Tim sells his loud, sparkling laughter to a certain gentleman. This man offered a high price: Tim will now not be able to even smile, but he will win any bet. It sounds tempting, especially when you come from a poor family: there are still not many reasons to laugh in life, and money definitely won’t be superfluous.

Who is this mysterious stranger who bought Tim's laughter? It’s not clear, but his name - Trech - seems to hint at something. However, the book does not focus on this issue; there is no religion, esotericism or horror stories - there is a little fog with this Trech, but otherwise both the events and the atmosphere are quite realistic.

So Tim bets on the races and makes sure that no matter what incredible option he chooses, his horse always wins. But winnings do not make the boy happy, because there is no more joy in his life at all. Having quickly had enough, Tim understands that God is with them, with a bet and money, they need to look for this part. that is, Trecha and return your laughter. It is not possible to do this, because Treach has signed a non-disclosure contract, which means that the first option that comes to mind, betting with someone that he will laugh again, does not work. In search of his counterparty and a way out of the situation, Tim sets off to wander the world. Life again brings Tim and Trech together, so closely that now they travel together - Europe, Asia, Latin America - literally like Faust and Mephistopheles. They become business partners, handle huge sums of money and at the same time keep a watchful eye on each other.

The book contains quite a lot of economics and business: shares, company organization, advertising, signing contracts and other details of production, purchase and sale. It will be a little difficult for children under ten years of age, but for teenagers it will be very useful to learn some of the laws by which the world of money works.

And I can’t help but mention the illustrations, because this is Anton Lomaev, revealing himself from an unusual side: instead of a riot of colors, black and white graphics. But high detail, unusual angles, expressive characters - it’s all in place, the hand of the master is easily recognizable.

Will Tim manage to get his laughter back, read in the book by German writer James Crews "Tim Thaler, or a sold laughter".