The Girl with the Lost Smile
What’s inside...
This is a story guaranteed to make you laugh and cry: the first children's book from award-winning, bestselling author and comedian Miranda Hart. Chloe Long has lost her smile. She's looked everywhere for it (under her pillow, under her bed, under her nose). She's tried everything to bring it back (her favourite cake, her favourite gran, her favourite joke). But nothing seems to be working, until one night something utterly magical happens, and Chloe finds herself on an adventure that is out of this world. With fabulous illustrations by Sainsbury's Book of the Year winner, Kate Hindley, 'The Girl with the Lost Smile' takes you on an action-packed, magical journey that celebrates the power of the imagination, the wonder of true friendship, and is guaranteed to make you smile. The book has received a glowing review from the Daily Mail, mentioning Miranda Hart as potentially a National Treasure like Stephen Fry and Alan Bennett.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
368 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes Chloe's smile so special, and why does she go on a quest to find it?
How do Chloe's friends and family help her on her journey? Can you think of a time when someone helped you like that?
What emotions do you think Chloe felt during her adventure? Have you ever felt the same way?
Chloe discovers many things about herself throughout the book. What are some qualities you admire in Chloe, and do you see any of those in yourself?
If you could create your own magical creature like Chloe's, what would it be like and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the book, discuss with your child what makes them happy and the importance of joy in life. Relate these themes back to the story as you read.
Encourage your child to express their feelings as you encounter different moments in Chloe’s journey, fostering a deeper emotional connection to the narrative.
As you progress through the book, help your child connect Chloe’s experiences with their own life, discussing similar challenges and triumphs they may have faced.
At the end of the reading session, ask your child to imagine their own ending to the story or a continuation, encouraging creative thinking.
Use the magical elements of the story to spark discussions about imagination and creativity, asking your child what magical powers they would like to have and why.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: In 'The Girl with the Lost Smile', the protagonist learns that friends play a crucial role in supporting each other through tough times.
Real-World Application: Children will understand the value of helping and relying on friends during difficult periods, fostering strong, supportive friendships.
Example Lesson: The power of positivity
Explanation: The story shows how maintaining a positive attitude can lead to finding happiness and overcoming challenges.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this by trying to find the silver lining in difficult situations, enhancing resilience and overall emotional well-being.
Example Lesson: The significance of emotional expression
Explanation: Throughout the book, the protagonist learns that expressing her emotions is important for emotional health.
Real-World Application: Children learn to communicate their feelings effectively, a skill that is essential in interacting with others and building emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: The impact of kindness
Explanation: The characters discover that acts of kindness can bring joy and change someone's day for the better.
Real-World Application: By promoting kindness, children can see firsthand the positive effects their actions can have on their community and themselves.
Example Lesson: The value of self-reflection
Explanation: The main character reflects on what truly makes her happy, leading to personal growth.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to engage in self-reflection to better understand themselves and their desires, aiding in personal development and decision-making.