By Matt Murray
Abrams Image, $24.95, 127 pages

Promoted as the official companion to the Smurfs 3D movie that premiered July 29, 2011, The World of Smurfs by Matt Murray is that, and so much more. On many levels, it will thrill both old and new fans of the Smurfs.|Fans of the movie will find full color photographs of the Smurfs and cast, as well as information about the production of the movie.

“On September 12, 1981, The Smurfs debuted on NBC … captured 42 percent of the audience that Saturday morning …most highly rated children’s program in more than eight years…highest rated program on NBC in roughly two decades.”

Fans nostalgic for the days of watching the Smurfs on their unique hour long television show at a time of half hour cartoons will once again travel into the Smurf world, and will enjoy the references to the creation of the show.

History buffs and collectors will enjoy the entire book repeatedly, from the start of it all by Pierre Culliford in Belgium when he introduced a “Schtroumpf” into his comic strip in October 1958 to the current movie.|Inserted throughout the book are beautiful pull-outs that include a 1946 character study, selected pages of the Belgium comics, a poster of a Belgium musical, an animation cel of Papa Smurf, character model sheets, poster for Schtroumpf!, a sticker set, and a Smurf Village poster.

It is “a celebration of tiny blue proportions!”

Reviewed by Angie Mangino