Overview

Celebrates the myriad ways for kids to be smart--being empathic, artistic, athletic, and inquisitive. A tender, funny, and exquisitely illustrated picture book celebrating all the unique and wonderful qualities that make children who they are. With heartwarming rhyming text all about knowing what makes you special, All the Ways to Be Smart is a wonderful introduction to conversations about self-esteem.

Full Product Details

9781947534964

Table of Contents

Reviews

After a colorful, rollicking, joyful, rhyming read there is only one word for this book: wise. Good scores in a test are great but the importance of celebrating the creative, collaborative and just plain quirky things that make us emotionally intelligent and well-rounded could not have been better portrayed. --Readings Bookstore, Best Picture Books of 2018 If you need a reminder that there is no single yardstick that can ever measure a person's worth, look no further than this wonderful #picturebook... --@picturethisbook, 23.5k followers 'All The Ways to be Smart is an earnest and charming book celebrating the joys of all the wonderful qualities that make children who they are. The subtle and unique message is that getting excellent grades is not what makes you smart. Rather, it's the value of learning through play which is beautifully illustrated and will captivate children's imagination throughout the book.' --Book Trust This collaboration between Davina Bell and Alison Colpoys is a celebration of what makes us us, of the strengths that we all have within ourselves--whether we're dreamers, adventurers, readers or artists...The illustrations are whimsical and fun, with a beautiful color palette. --Noveltea Corner From the dynamic partnership of Davina Bell and Allison Colpoys comes a tender, funny, and exquisitely illustrated picture book celebrating the myriad talents that each child brings to the world, from being able to read or tell the time to being good at blowing bubbles. --Good Reading This book teaches children that intelligence is so much more than being book-smart. Intelligence can also mean being empathetic, artistic, athletic, and inquisitive. It places value in every kind of talent, from 'building boats from boxes' to 'kindness when there's crying'. All the Ways to Be Smart is the perfect feel-good bedtime story that I can't wait to gift this Christmas. --Sherry Landow Writing NSW This colourful picture-book provides an alternative perspective on the culture of academic achievement by celebrating a diversity of talents...Allison Colpoys's illustrations celebrate a diversity of cultures too, offering a parade of beauty that will give children of all backgrounds and interests confidence in their own uniqueness. --The Irish Times 'Vibrant, fun and empowering ... it should be on everyone's bookshelf!' --The Book Nook bookshop This book is funny and tender, exuberant and whimsical, and an absolute joy to pore over ... Colpoys' distinctive illustrations fizz with her trademark charm and vivacity; the colours burst out of the page with wild abandonment. --Bronte Coates Readings Bookstore All the Ways to be Smart is a brilliant, gorgeous book bursting with unconventional magic spells that prove science is so much more than mere logic, and that being smart is above all about being happy. A feast for the eyes and heart, full of foolproof methods to enchant and inspire young minds. --Mika Provata-Carlone Bookanista 'A wonderful book about all the different ways to be smart.' --A Bundle of Books bookshop Praise for Captain Starfish (by the same team): The unconditional acceptance of Alfie's parents makes this book unique and may prove assuring to children of similar character. An excellent choice for one-on-one sharing. --School Library Journal Learning to be brave can take time, and readers will empathize with Alfie's slow progress toward that goal. --Booklist Colpoys's stylish, silkscreen-style illustrations use contrasting shades of sea green, deep blue, and bright pink to represent both the real world and Alfie's rich interior life. --Publishers Weekly Alfie's success, aided by loving and patient parents, provides a model for children struggling with anxiety and assures them of their ultimate worth and capability. This gentle story ably helps fill a need in children's literature and will help comfort small audiences with their own big fears. --Kirkus Reviews Joyful and vibrant ... Allison Colpoys' illustrations shimmer with movement and vivacity, with her loose-line illustrations and selective color palette exuding a nostalgic retro charm. Children will want to pore over each page, while the seamless read-out-loud rhyming pattern will ensure this is a favorite for years to come. --Kids' Book Review Published only back in mid-October, All the Ways to be Smart has soared not only to the top of our bestseller list (it is THE bestseller for 2018) but also into the hearts and minds of all those who have read it. --The Younger Sun Bookstore, 2018 Book of the Year This book needs to be in the hands of every policy-maker in the sphere of Education, in every classroom, in every library, and in every home...This book is an utterly glorious call to celebrate your strengths and your own unique smarts. --Oh Creative Day A triumph of a book. --Natasha Harding The Sun 'A joyous, life-affirming, imaginative celebration!' --Crediton Community Bookshop 'I think this unique book with colourful illustrations by Alison Colpoys can help children feel proud of what makes them special.' --Tina Mummy in the City It's highly likely every child who reads this book will find something in it that shows they too are smart. --School Reading List All The Ways to be Smart is the most beautiful, brilliant new picture book. Full stop. Charming illustrations in pretty, appealing colors? Check. Great rhyming text that is super fun to read aloud? Check. A wonderful message conveyed in a beautiful non-judgey way? Check. The book is a joyful celebration of childhood and all the different, unique ways to be smart. --Courtney Adamo Babyccino A joyous picture book that enthusiastically celebrates the power of the imagination while challenging stereotypes about what it means to be clever. With its flawless rhymes and winning illustrations, this book has all the makings of a classic. --Sydney Morning Herald A celebration of creativity and emotional intelligence featuring a diverse cast of kids. A reassuring read for primary-aged children who feel like a round peg in a square, academic hole. --The Guardian Every page of this book in joyous, imaginative and life-affirming...All the Ways to be Smart is a celebration of what childhood can be, and it will likely become a classic. --Louise Pfanner, bookseller and author/illustrator of the 'Louise Builds ...' series Books+Publishing I think this unique book with colorful illustrations by Allison Colpoys can help children feel proud of what makes them special. --Mummy in the City The book, All the Ways to Be Smart, aims to teach children that there is more to being smart than reading to maths and encourages the pursuit of the arts. --The Leader

After a colorful, rollicking, joyful, rhyming read there is only one word for this book: wise. Good scores in a test are great but the importance of celebrating the creative, collaborative and just plain quirky things that make us emotionally intelligent and well-rounded could not have been better portrayed. --Readings Bookstore, Best Picture Books of 2018 [A] parade of beauty that will give children of all backgrounds and interests confidence in their own uniqueness. --The Irish Times 'The perfect book for children suffering from anxiety about SATs and other school tests.' --Parent Talk 'This picture book from Australia has glowing colours that seem to leap off the page and rhyming text that children will very much enjoy chanting ... The book is a jumbly rumble of busy, bright colours and kids doing fun things - along with di-nosaurs, birds and flowers and all kinds of creatures. It will appeal and help chil-dren who feel less than academically inclined to realise their own potential and do their best with their own talents and abilities.' --Elizabeth Schlenther Books for Keeps 'A wonderful book, teaching children about their own qualities and personalities.' --Dartmouth bookseller 'A wonderful book for children. [There are] more ways than one to be smart.' --Urmston bookshop 'What makes you smart? Is it making things, having a good imagination, being kind? This book lets every small person know they have something special.' --Owl and Pyramid bookshop This gorgeous rhyming picture book reinforces the message that smart isn't just ticks and crosses -- it's also about being creative, adventurous, and having a good imagination ... A triumph. --Natasha Harding The Sun If you need a reminder that there is no single yardstick that can ever measure a person's worth, look no further than this wonderful #picturebook... --@picturethisbook, 23.5k followers 'All The Ways to be Smart is an earnest and charming book celebrating the joys of all the wonderful qualities that make children who they are. The subtle and unique message is that getting excellent grades is not what makes you smart. Rather, it's the value of learning through play which is beautifully illustrated and will captivate children's imagination throughout the book.' --Book Trust This collaboration between Davina Bell and Alison Colpoys is a celebration of what makes us us, of the strengths that we all have within ourselves--whether we're dreamers, adventurers, readers or artists...The illustrations are whimsical and fun, with a beautiful color palette. --Noveltea Corner From the dynamic partnership of Davina Bell and Allison Colpoys comes a tender, funny, and exquisitely illustrated picture book celebrating the myriad talents that each child brings to the world, from being able to read or tell the time to being good at blowing bubbles. --Good Reading This book teaches children that intelligence is so much more than being book-smart. Intelligence can also mean being empathetic, artistic, athletic, and inquisitive. It places value in every kind of talent, from 'building boats from boxes' to 'kindness when there's crying'. All the Ways to Be Smart is the perfect feel-good bedtime story that I can't wait to gift this Christmas. --Sherry Landow Writing NSW 'Vibrant, fun and empowering ... it should be on everyone's bookshelf!' --The Book Nook bookshop This book is funny and tender, exuberant and whimsical, and an absolute joy to pore over ... Colpoys' distinctive illustrations fizz with her trademark charm and vivacity; the colours burst out of the page with wild abandonment. --Bronte Coates Readings Bookstore All the Ways to be Smart is a brilliant, gorgeous book bursting with unconventional magic spells that prove science is so much more than mere logic, and that being smart is above all about being happy. A feast for the eyes and heart, full of foolproof methods to enchant and inspire young minds. --Mika Provata-Carlone Bookanista 'A wonderful book about all the different ways to be smart.' --A Bundle of Books bookshop Praise for Captain Starfish (by the same team): The unconditional acceptance of Alfie's parents makes this book unique and may prove assuring to children of similar character. An excellent choice for one-on-one sharing. --School Library Journal Learning to be brave can take time, and readers will empathize with Alfie's slow progress toward that goal. --Booklist Colpoys's stylish, silkscreen-style illustrations use contrasting shades of sea green, deep blue, and bright pink to represent both the real world and Alfie's rich interior life. --Publishers Weekly Alfie's success, aided by loving and patient parents, provides a model for children struggling with anxiety and assures them of their ultimate worth and capability. This gentle story ably helps fill a need in children's literature and will help comfort small audiences with their own big fears. --Kirkus Reviews Joyful and vibrant ... Allison Colpoys' illustrations shimmer with movement and vivacity, with her loose-line illustrations and selective color palette exuding a nostalgic retro charm. Children will want to pore over each page, while the seamless read-out-loud rhyming pattern will ensure this is a favorite for years to come. --Kids' Book Review Published only back in mid-October, All the Ways to be Smart has soared not only to the top of our bestseller list (it is THE bestseller for 2018) but also into the hearts and minds of all those who have read it. --The Younger Sun Bookstore, 2018 Book of the Year This book needs to be in the hands of every policy-maker in the sphere of Education, in every classroom, in every library, and in every home...This book is an utterly glorious call to celebrate your strengths and your own unique smarts. --Oh Creative Day 'A joyous, life-affirming, imaginative celebration!' --Crediton Community Bookshop It's highly likely every child who reads this book will find something in it that shows they too are smart. --School Reading List All The Ways to be Smart is the most beautiful, brilliant new picture book. Full stop. Charming illustrations in pretty, appealing colors? Check. Great rhyming text that is super fun to read aloud? Check. A wonderful message conveyed in a beautiful non-judgey way? Check. The book is a joyful celebration of childhood and all the different, unique ways to be smart. --Courtney Adamo Babyccino A joyous picture book that enthusiastically celebrates the power of the imagination while challenging stereotypes about what it means to be clever. With its flawless rhymes and winning illustrations, this book has all the makings of a classic. --Sydney Morning Herald A celebration of creativity and emotional intelligence featuring a diverse cast of kids. A reassuring read for primary-aged children who feel like a round peg in a square, academic hole. --The Guardian Every page of this book in joyous, imaginative and life-affirming...All the Ways to be Smart is a celebration of what childhood can be, and it will likely become a classic. --Louise Pfanner, bookseller and author/illustrator of the 'Louise Builds ...' series Books+Publishing I think this unique book with colorful illustrations by Allison Colpoys can help children feel proud of what makes them special. --Mummy in the City The book, All the Ways to Be Smart, aims to teach children that there is more to being smart than reading to maths and encourages the pursuit of the arts. --The Leader

After a colorful, rollicking, joyful, rhyming read there is only one word for this book: wise. Good scores in a test are great but the importance of celebrating the creative, collaborative and just plain quirky things that make us emotionally intelligent and well-rounded could not have been better portrayed. --Readings Bookstore, Best Picture Books of 2018 'A wonderful book, teaching children about their own qualities and personalities.' --Dartmouth bookseller 'A wonderful book for children. [There are] more ways than one to be smart.' --Urmston bookshop 'What makes you smart? Is it making things, having a good imagination, being kind? This book lets every small person know they have something special.' --Owl and Pyramid bookshop This gorgeous rhyming picture book reinforces the message that smart isn't just ticks and crosses -- it's also about being creative, adventurous, and having a good imagination ... A triumph. --Natasha Harding The Sun If you need a reminder that there is no single yardstick that can ever measure a person's worth, look no further than this wonderful #picturebook... --@picturethisbook, 23.5k followers 'All The Ways to be Smart is an earnest and charming book celebrating the joys of all the wonderful qualities that make children who they are. The subtle and unique message is that getting excellent grades is not what makes you smart. Rather, it's the value of learning through play which is beautifully illustrated and will captivate children's imagination throughout the book.' --Book Trust This collaboration between Davina Bell and Alison Colpoys is a celebration of what makes us us, of the strengths that we all have within ourselves--whether we're dreamers, adventurers, readers or artists...The illustrations are whimsical and fun, with a beautiful color palette. --Noveltea Corner From the dynamic partnership of Davina Bell and Allison Colpoys comes a tender, funny, and exquisitely illustrated picture book celebrating the myriad talents that each child brings to the world, from being able to read or tell the time to being good at blowing bubbles. --Good Reading This book teaches children that intelligence is so much more than being book-smart. Intelligence can also mean being empathetic, artistic, athletic, and inquisitive. It places value in every kind of talent, from 'building boats from boxes' to 'kindness when there's crying'. All the Ways to Be Smart is the perfect feel-good bedtime story that I can't wait to gift this Christmas. --Sherry Landow Writing NSW This colourful picture-book provides an alternative perspective on the culture of academic achievement by celebrating a diversity of talents...Allison Colpoys's illustrations celebrate a diversity of cultures too, offering a parade of beauty that will give children of all backgrounds and interests confidence in their own uniqueness. --The Irish Times 'Vibrant, fun and empowering ... it should be on everyone's bookshelf!' --The Book Nook bookshop This book is funny and tender, exuberant and whimsical, and an absolute joy to pore over ... Colpoys' distinctive illustrations fizz with her trademark charm and vivacity; the colours burst out of the page with wild abandonment. --Bronte Coates Readings Bookstore All the Ways to be Smart is a brilliant, gorgeous book bursting with unconventional magic spells that prove science is so much more than mere logic, and that being smart is above all about being happy. A feast for the eyes and heart, full of foolproof methods to enchant and inspire young minds. --Mika Provata-Carlone Bookanista 'A wonderful book about all the different ways to be smart.' --A Bundle of Books bookshop Praise for Captain Starfish (by the same team): The unconditional acceptance of Alfie's parents makes this book unique and may prove assuring to children of similar character. An excellent choice for one-on-one sharing. --School Library Journal Learning to be brave can take time, and readers will empathize with Alfie's slow progress toward that goal. --Booklist Colpoys's stylish, silkscreen-style illustrations use contrasting shades of sea green, deep blue, and bright pink to represent both the real world and Alfie's rich interior life. --Publishers Weekly Alfie's success, aided by loving and patient parents, provides a model for children struggling with anxiety and assures them of their ultimate worth and capability. This gentle story ably helps fill a need in children's literature and will help comfort small audiences with their own big fears. --Kirkus Reviews Joyful and vibrant ... Allison Colpoys' illustrations shimmer with movement and vivacity, with her loose-line illustrations and selective color palette exuding a nostalgic retro charm. Children will want to pore over each page, while the seamless read-out-loud rhyming pattern will ensure this is a favorite for years to come. --Kids' Book Review Published only back in mid-October, All the Ways to be Smart has soared not only to the top of our bestseller list (it is THE bestseller for 2018) but also into the hearts and minds of all those who have read it. --The Younger Sun Bookstore, 2018 Book of the Year This book needs to be in the hands of every policy-maker in the sphere of Education, in every classroom, in every library, and in every home...This book is an utterly glorious call to celebrate your strengths and your own unique smarts. --Oh Creative Day 'A joyous, life-affirming, imaginative celebration!' --Crediton Community Bookshop It's highly likely every child who reads this book will find something in it that shows they too are smart. --School Reading List All The Ways to be Smart is the most beautiful, brilliant new picture book. Full stop. Charming illustrations in pretty, appealing colors? Check. Great rhyming text that is super fun to read aloud? Check. A wonderful message conveyed in a beautiful non-judgey way? Check. The book is a joyful celebration of childhood and all the different, unique ways to be smart. --Courtney Adamo Babyccino A joyous picture book that enthusiastically celebrates the power of the imagination while challenging stereotypes about what it means to be clever. With its flawless rhymes and winning illustrations, this book has all the makings of a classic. --Sydney Morning Herald A celebration of creativity and emotional intelligence featuring a diverse cast of kids. A reassuring read for primary-aged children who feel like a round peg in a square, academic hole. --The Guardian Every page of this book in joyous, imaginative and life-affirming...All the Ways to be Smart is a celebration of what childhood can be, and it will likely become a classic. --Louise Pfanner, bookseller and author/illustrator of the 'Louise Builds ...' series Books+Publishing I think this unique book with colorful illustrations by Allison Colpoys can help children feel proud of what makes them special. --Mummy in the City The book, All the Ways to Be Smart, aims to teach children that there is more to being smart than reading to maths and encourages the pursuit of the arts. --The Leader

Author Information

Davina Bell is an award-winning author of books for young readers of many ages. She writes picture books (including Under the Love Umbrella and All the Ways To Be Smart), as well as junior fiction, middle-grade fiction, and YA. Davina lives in Melbourne, where she works as a children's book publisher. She talks to kids and adults around the country about the enchanting world of books and ideas. Allison Colpoys is an award-winning designer and illustrator based in Naarm/Melbourne, Australia. Allison is represented by the Jacky Winter Group for illustration.

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