The Smile Shop
on Goodreads (241)
What’s inside...
A story about a boy who saves his pocket money to buy something special for himself at the market. As he browses through various items, he accidentally loses his money down a drain. Feeling dejected, he discovers a store called the Smile Shop and wonders if he can buy a smile to cheer himself up. The benevolent shopkeeper shares a smile with him, teaching him the value of kindness and the intangible gifts that can brighten one's day.
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
The Boy
Discussion points
What do you think the boy felt when he saw all the different smiles in the shop?
Why is sharing a smile with someone important?
How did the boy's day change after visiting the Smile Shop?
Can you think of a time when someone's smile made you feel better?
What are some other ways we can make people happy besides smiling?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use personal anecdotes about times when a simple smile made a big difference to you.
Encourage your child to describe the smiles they love to see and share, making it relatable.
Discuss the emotions depicted in the book's illustrations to enhance empathy and understanding.
Point out real-life situations where they or someone else shared a smile to reinforce the book’s message.
After reading, spend a day noting all the smiles they see or give, turning it into a smile scavenger hunt.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Value of Happiness
Explanation: The story showcases a young boy's journey in understanding that happiness isn't something that can be bought but is found in small acts and moments, like sharing a smile.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by finding joy in everyday interactions and learning that happiness is created through relationships and positive actions, not material possessions.
Example Lesson: Importance of Kindness
Explanation: Throughout the book, various characters engage in acts of kindness, such as sharing smiles and friendly gestures, which have a positive impact on others.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be kind in their daily interactions with friends and family, fostering a supportive and caring environment.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Disappointment
Explanation: The protagonist experiences disappointment when he loses his money, but instead of dwelling on it, he finds joy in sharing a smile with another person.
Real-World Application: Children learn to overcome setbacks and disappointments by finding alternative ways to achieve happiness and contentment, promoting emotional resilience.
Example Lesson: Value of Shared Experiences
Explanation: The boy’s interaction with the smile shop owner and other customers highlights how shared positive experiences can unite people.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to participate in group activities and share experiences with others, enhancing their social skills and emotional connections.
Example Lesson: Understanding and Empathy
Explanation: Through observing and interacting with different characters, the boy learns to understand and empathize with the feelings of others.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to be observant and considerate of other people's emotions and perspectives, which is essential for building strong, empathetic relationships.