Irvin Cobb didn't give a false compliment when he told Shirley Temple in 1934 that she was "The world’s greatest gift of joy and happiness."

Having been enchanted by the adorable Shirley Temple in all her 1930s’ films, I thought I'd enjoy this simple biography with its classic photos. Yes, I enjoyed it immensely.

Divided into unequal halves, the first part is the biography, focusing mainly on Shirley’s early years, before carrying on up till 2000.

While I’m not interested in politics, it was still interesting to read about Shirley’s work as an ambassador and such like, though it’s her early film career that interested me most.

It’s her film career (1932–49) that occupies the smaller half of the book. Including the “Baby Burlesks” and bit parts, one or more pages are devoted to (almost) everything that Shirley has starred in. This includes cast lists, notes on critical reception, promotional photos, etc.

The photos throughout the book cover Shirley’s life up to the 1990s, with the emphasis naturally on her glory years.

It’s incredible how big an impact this little girl had on America and later on the world. All these years on, her 1930s’ films are still a treat.

“Scrapbook” is what its title suggests: full of photos accompanied by informative text. If, like me, you’re a newish fan of this remarkable little star, get yourself a copy. ( )