The Smeds and the Smoos
The Smeds and the Smoos Series
What’s inside...
The Smeds and the Smoos is a delightful tale of two alien families, the Smeds (who are red) and the Smoos (who are blue), who never mix with each other. When a young Smed and Smoo fall in love, they bring their families together and show them that differences don't matter. It's a story of love, unity, and acceptance. On a distant planet lived Edward and Jeannette, a Toubleu and a Tourouge. One fine morning, the two fell in love at first sight. Unfortunately, on the distant planet, Tourouges and Toubleus do not mix and even more, they hate each other! Therefore, it is out of the question for a Tourouge to marry a Toubleu.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the Smeds and the Smoos were not allowed to be friends in the beginning?
How did the adventures of Janet and Bill help them learn about each other’s differences?
What does the story teach us about making friends with people who are different from us?
How did the families feel at the end of the story, and what changed their minds?
Can you think of a time when you made a new friend who was different from you? How did you feel?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they think Janet and Bill felt during various points in the story.
Discuss the importance of accepting others, regardless of their differences, by relating it to personal experiences your child might have had.
Focus on the resolution of the story to highlight the positive outcomes of overcoming prejudices and embracing diversity.
Use expressive reading to showcase the emotional journey of the characters, making the story more relatable and impactful.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Acceptance of differences
Explanation: The story of 'The Smeds and the Smoos' follows two alien families who initially disapprove of each other due to their differences. However, as the story progresses, they learn to accept and celebrate their unique traits.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of embracing diversity among their peers, fostering a more inclusive environment at school and in their communities.
Example Lesson: The power of love and friendship
Explanation: The main characters, young Smed and Smoo, form a friendship that overlooks the prejudiced views of their families. Their bond eventually brings their families together.
Real-World Application: This narrative teaches children that forming connections based on love and understanding can overcome barriers and lead to strong, unified relationships.
Example Lesson: Importance of cooperation
Explanation: Throughout the book, cooperation is shown as a key element that helps resolve conflicts. The families unite and work together due to the relationship of the young Smed and Smoo.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to apply cooperative skills in group settings such as school projects or team sports, understanding that teamwork often leads to better outcomes.
Example Lesson: Breaking stereotypes
Explanation: By depicting characters that challenge the norms expected by their families, the book encourages looking beyond stereotypes and forming one’s own opinions.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to critically evaluate generalizations and form their own opinions based on experience and personal understanding.