Summer Reading - Because Amelia Smiled

Smiles have power. They have the power to brighten the day of others and as Maralee McKee, the Manners Mentor said n her page, "Your smile (or lack of one) is powerful. When given sincerely, it uplifts both those you love and strangers alike. It's your non-verbal signal to the world you are happy to share the current place and space you're in with those around you. When a smile is withheld  it sets the tone for unpleasantness, or at least, tension. Some great things about your smile is it's: unique, free, everyone loves it, and it's usually reciprocated, doubling the blessing! So this week, why not smile at everyone you pass. It lights up your face and makes the world take notice of the happy person (YOU!) who understand a smile is the look (the only one interpreted the same way in every tribe and nation) which speaks volumes of acceptance, understanding, compassion and welcome!"  

The power of a smile is the story behind the story, Because Amelia Smiled, written and illustrated by David Ezra Stein.

Favorite Features -

• Sweet and powerful story of how a smile can change and touch so many lives!
• Challenges readers to give - and pass on - smiles!
• Colorful illustrations with so much to see and enjoy on every page.
• Simple story which gives grandparents/parents and children so much to think and talk about!

Candlewick Press says, "Because Amelia smiles as she skips down the street, her neighbor Mrs. Higgins smiles too, and decides to send a care package of cookies to her grandson Lionel in Mexico. The cookies give Lionel an idea, and his idea inspires a student, who in turn inspires a ballet troupe in England! And so the good feelings which started with Amelia’s smile make their way around the world, from a goodwill recital in Israel, to an impromptu rumba concert in Paris, to a long-awaited marriage proposal in Italy, to a knitted scarf for a beloved niece back in New York. Putting a unique spin on 'what goes around comes around,' David Ezra Stein’s charmingly illustrated story reminds us adding even a small dose of kindness into the world is sure to spur more and more kindness, which could eventually make its way back to you!"

The sweet story in Because Amelia Smiled, begins with; "Because Amelia smiled, coming down the street . . . Mrs. Higgins smiled, too." From there, the happiness and love which a simple smile communicated is passed on, touching the lives of people around the world until the story ends with; "Because Pigeon Man Jones let his birds out, Amelia saw them . . . and she smiled." Enjoy this book with the children you love and be sure to smile with them - and encourage them to do the same!