Where Is Grandpa's Smile?
What’s inside...
Abby is concerned. Her Grandpa seems to have lost his smile. Abby's plan is to show him some of the things that make HER smile in hopes that she can find his, and she finds it somewhere completely unexpected. Inspired by the author's father and his own 'frown,' this is a charming, heartwarming tale accented with cheerful, colorful illustrations. This is a book that is sure to become a childhood favorite.
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think Grandpa might be missing his smile?
What are some things that make you smile?
How do you think the story might help Grandpa find his smile again?
Can you think of a way you might help someone who's sad or missing their smile?
What does the relationship between the child and Grandpa in the story teach us about family?
Tip: Role play these questions
Create a cozy, inviting reading environment to make the experience enjoyable and calming. As you read, pause at pivotal moments to ask your child how they feel about the situations in the book. Relate themes from the book to real-life experiences of your child or family to make the story more relatable. Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts, acknowledging all their responses to build their confidence in sharing. Wrap up your reading session by discussing personal family stories where support and love helped someone smile again, reinforcing the book's themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding emotions
Explanation: In 'Where Is Grandpa's Smile?', children learn to recognize and understand different emotions through the character's search for his grandfather's lost smile.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by becoming more aware of the emotions of those around them, learning to read facial expressions and emotional cues in real life situations.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The protagonist's journey to find his grandpa's smile teaches empathy by showing concern for his grandfather’s feelings and well-being.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to consider the feelings of others and respond kindly during interactions with family members and friends.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: The story demonstrates problem-solving as the young character investigates different ways to retrieve his grandpa's smile.
Real-World Application: Children learn to think critically and creatively when faced with small challenges, understanding that there may be multiple solutions to a problem.
Example Lesson: The value of family connections
Explanation: The book highlights the importance of family relationships through the interactions between the child and his grandfather.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children appreciate and cherish their family bonds, encouraging them to spend quality time and communicate openly with family members.
Example Lesson: Optimism and perseverance
Explanation: Throughout his quest, the lead character remains optimistic and determined, showcasing the power of positive thinking and persistence.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of staying hopeful and continuing to try, even when situations are challenging, reinforcing resilience in their everyday life.