Smile, Sophia
on Goodreads (139)
What’s inside...
In 'Smile, Sophia,' a picture book by Skylaar Amann, a young girl named Sophia, who is passionate about finding fossils and digging up dinosaur bones, struggles with the expectation to smile from grownups. Despite their insistence, she remains true to herself, focusing on her interests in science and only smiling when she genuinely feels like it. The book portrays Sophia as a strong, smart, and capable individual, sending a message that being good at what one does is enough and smiling should be on one's own terms.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think Sophia was feeling sad at the start of the book?
What are some ways that Sophia tried to make herself smile?
How did Sophia’s friends help her feel better?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone smile? What did you do?
What does this story teach us about the importance of friends and family?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing a personal story where you felt similar to Sophia and how you overcame it.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about each part of the story, fostering a deeper connection to the themes.
Discuss the importance of understanding and expressing emotions openly, reinforcing the lessons from the book.
Praise empathy and kindness while discussing the character's actions, reinforcing positive behavior and social skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Individuality
Explanation: Sophia learns to appreciate her own unique smile, despite it being different from her friends.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to value their uniqueness and feel confident in what makes them different from others.
Example Lesson: The Power of Kindness
Explanation: Sophia's kind gesture of sharing her smile brings joy to her classmates, teaching the impact of small acts of kindness.
Real-World Application: Kids learn that being kind can positively affect others' emotions and foster friendships.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Shyness
Explanation: Through the story, Sophia overcomes her initial shyness about her unique smile and proudly shows it off to others.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand that facing their fears, particularly about self-expression, can lead to positive outcomes.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Friendships
Explanation: Sophia’s friendships grow stronger as she shares and communicates with her peers about her feelings.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of building and maintaining friendships through effective communication and shared experiences.
Example Lesson: Self-Acceptance
Explanation: As Sophia learns to love her smile, she teaches readers that self-acceptance is crucial for personal happiness.
Real-World Application: Promoting a positive self-image helps children develop stronger mental and emotional health as they grow.