Look, it's me!

“All the Ways to be Smart” is a picture book that celebrates the many ways that children can be smart. Written in a rhyming format and adorned with whimsical and heartwarming illustrations, this book aims to highlight children’s diverse intelligence and skills.

The book’s vibrant colours and art style immediately caught my attention and held it throughout. The illustrations are visually appealing, making it a book I can see myself revisiting. The rhyming format adds a playful and lyrical quality to the text, making it enjoyable to read aloud. 

The book’s message, that there is no one right way to be smart, is beautifully conveyed. It emphasises the idea that every child possesses unique talents and abilities, encouraging young readers to embrace and celebrate their individuality. This positive and empowering message is something I greatly appreciated. 

While I found the overall concept and message of the book to be uplifting and inspiring, I did feel that the lack of a traditional story format was a minor drawback. The book focuses on showcasing different types of intelligence and skills, but without a narrative structure, it can be challenging to remember all the various aspects discussed. Incorporating a story format could have made the content more memorable and engaging. 

Additionally, while the book addresses the theme of divergent thinking and intelligence, it does not delve deeply into the topic of disability. It would have been beneficial if the book delved deeper into these key topics and issues by perhaps talking about how these forms of intelligence develop and the cons of not being intelligent in one department.  

The central message of “All the Ways to be Smart” is crucial: there is no singular definition of intelligence, and each child possesses unique abilities. This inclusive and encouraging message is relevant and important for children of all ages. The book serves as a reminder that intelligence comes in various forms, from creativity and empathy to problem-solving and curiosity. By embracing and nurturing these diverse abilities, we can help children develop a strong sense of self-worth and encourage them to reach their full potential. 

I would recommend this book to parents, educators, and caregivers who want to teach children about the value of diversity and individuality. The book’s colourful illustrations, engaging rhymes, and positive message make it an excellent resource for sparking conversations about different forms of intelligence and celebrating the strengths of every child.