All the Ways to be Smart

"Smart is not just ticks and crosses, smart is building boats from boxes."School is not everything. And test scores certainly aren’t everything. If only every child could hear that, I think it would make a big difference in a lot of lives. Society is doing a very good job making children believe they’re worthless if they aren’t good at tests. Now it’s up to loving adults - both parents and teachers - to take it upon themselves to make sure their kids are not internalizing that dangerous message. And I'm telling you right now, All the Ways to Be Smart is the absolute perfect way to deliver this lesson.This picture book is a celebration of creativity and the imagination. It's a celebration of empathy. It's a celebration of individuality. This is true meaning of life stuff that every child needs to hear. It should be written into the curriculum at every single school, and it should be found in every home library.This book goes to battle for a child's right to be a child. And it hammers home the point that there is NOT one single definition of being smart. There are MANY ways. Smart is telling stories, being nice to others, being curious, using your imagination. This book rewrites the dangerous notion that some people are smart and some people are not, and it's executed so brilliantly. I ensure you that this book makes crystal clear to children that everyone is smart, and everyone has value.This is the most remarkable, feel-good celebration of childhood I’ve ever read. The only thing you’ll find in these pages is a relentless onslaught of positivity and confidence-boosting beauty.

This is my favorite gift to give to new parents—it’s the sweetest book with beautiful illustrations!

This is a beautiful book! I happened to have it in my purse when I attended a close friend's naturalization ceremony to become a US citizen, as I was shipping it to my niece later in the day. There were people from 32 different countries at the ceremony, and the little boy next to me whose mother was becoming a citizen that day was getting restless. I pulled this book out hoping it would help distract him, and he loooooved it. He was actually squealing with delight as he pointed out different characters in the illustrations, and I knew then that I had picked a good one with this book... I think that kids from any background will love this book and find someone or something in it with which to relate.

I used this book at the beginning of the school year with my special education students to explain that while everyone has weaknesses, everyone also strengths. We were able to explore all of the things we were really good at or already knew well. The smiles were worth every penny.

I completely disagree with Allifam. Having a child with learning differences myself, I think this book celebrates the uniqueness of every child and is not focused on reading, writing etc at all. I think the previous reviewer has missed the point in that the book is challenging the traditional idea of “smart”. It talks about smart as building things, making slime, being creative, being imaginative, being kind and caring to others, taking chances when you’re nervous, sharing, playing fun games etcI would urge people to disregard the review by Allifam. This book is an absolute gem, our kids love it and it has loads of positive and inspiring messages. The illustrations are also beautiful.

This is a great book for children to hear as they enter formal education. Also, the pictures and colors are beautiful.

I bought this book for a first grade student struggling with dyslexia who told me she “doesn’t like that she’s not smart and that the other kids can tell.” We tabbed the pages/words every time it mentioned something she was “smart” at (15 things) and made a poster “(Susie’s) Smart Chart” adding more ideas. We also had an honest talk that letters aren’t easy for her and that everyone has areas that are hard. She now says she’s smart at a lot of things and is so proud. The only reason I took a star off is I’m not a fan of the green and orange color scheme. Pictures are cute but students don’t pick the book off the shelf bc they colors look weird and dated.

To have teachers sign at end of each school year.

Boring bookIt was not enjoyable in the least for my girls. The message is great but there is no real story to this book and it’s mostly positive affirmations which are great for adults but not for kids.

What a lovely message for everyone. If only I had known all the ways to be smart when I was growing up!! My children love to point out all the things they can do and all ways they are smart. Thank you for a great addition to our little library!!

Es un libro increíble, perfecto para mentes creativas.

El libro tiene una rima agil y divertida que a los niños les encanta. Es gracioso pero audaz y el mensaje es maravilloso: no solo se es inteligente de una manera... perfecto para empezar el cole.Las ilustraciones son muy bonitas.Muy recomendable

Nicely written and ideal for reinforcing confidence.