Augustus and His Smile
on Goodreads (736)
What’s inside...
Augustus the tiger embarks on a journey to find his lost smile, venturing through different landscapes and discovering the beauty of the world around him. Augustus the tiger was sad and had lost his smile. With a huge tigery stretch, he sets off to find it. The stunning illustrations highlight the beauty of the world and the simple happiness it brings when we open our eyes to it. This imaginative book is perfect for children who love to explore the world around them.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made Augustus smile?
Can you remember a time when you felt like Augustus? What happened?
Why is it important to keep looking for happiness even when we're sad?
How did the things Augustus saw on his journey make him feel?
What would you do to find your smile if you lost it like Augustus?
Tip: Role play these questions
As you read the book, encourage your child to express their emotions about the story and relate them to their own experiences.
Ask your child to draw or describe what makes them smile, connecting personal joys to Augustus's discoveries.
Use expressive facial gestures and voice modulation to mimick Augustus's feelings during different parts of the story to make the reading experience more immersive.
Discuss the importance of perseverance and optimism, reinforcing the message that sometimes, happiness requires a bit of searching.
After reading, together with your child, go on a mini adventure around your home or neighborhood to find 'smiles'—small things that bring joy, much like Augustus did.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience through challenges
Explanation: Augustus the tiger faces several obstacles in search of his lost smile but persists until he finds joy again.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of persistence and overcoming difficulties in their daily endeavors, whether it be dealing with a tough school assignment or managing conflicts with friends.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of nature's beauty
Explanation: Throughout his journey, Augustus admires different aspects of nature, which eventually leads him to find his smile reflected in a puddle.
Real-World Application: This story encourages children to observe and find joy in their natural surroundings, promoting activities like nature walks or outdoor play.
Example Lesson: Self-discovery and identity
Explanation: Augustus' journey is not just a physical one but also a metaphor for exploring one’s own identity and emotions, culminating in the realization that happiness lies within oneself.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of self-reflection and finding happiness within themselves rather than depending on external factors.
Example Lesson: The connection between happiness and surroundings
Explanation: While searching for his smile, Augustus discovers that his surroundings and the beauty they hold contribute immensely to his happiness.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate their environment and understand how their emotions can be influenced by the beauty and positivity around them.