Reviews

All the Ways to Be Smart by Davina Bell

emmalemonnz's review against another edition

4.0

I am torn on this one. I love the way it encourages us to think outside the box in terms of "smart" - there are lots of different ways children can excel, but I feel that calling them all "smart" is a bit misleading. I'd prefer if it said that being kind, imaginative, etc is also great.
The kids liked it though

rainbowbookworm's review against another edition

5.0

I love the text, but it’s the illustrations that make this one a keeper!

mehsi's review against another edition

4.0

Een schattig boek, maar net iets té lang voor mij. Ik had op een gegeven moment echt wel door dat slim zijn duizend dingen is, en ik vroeg me af of we echt naar duizend dingen gingen. :P Maar wel een erg motiverend boek voor kinderen (en volwassenen), slim is niet alleen maar academisch maar ook in andere kleinere dingen, zoals dapper durven te zijn, beslissingen maken, te kunnen springen en kopjeduiken, aardig kunnen zijn. Ik vond dat echt een fijne boodschap.
Ook de art was zeker erg mooi gedaan, heerlijk fel en fluo.

lattelibrarian's review against another edition

5.0

With sing-song rhymes and bright colors, All the Ways to Be Smart echoes classic children's literature with a modern take.  It looks as though printed via lithograph, and with a bold, strong font the harks back to a few decades ago, Bell and Colpoys take a diverse perspective on what it means to be smart, and who can be smart.  So, who exactly can be smart?  Anybody!  And Colpoys means it, given the variety of boys, girls, interests, and races.  And what exactly is smart?  Everything!  And Bell means that, given the exploration of imagination, creativity, math, science, and leadership.  This is a fantastic book that has no room for judgement: smart refers to anything, and anyone can be smart.  Great for grades PreK-2.

Review cross-listed here!

acourtofreading's review against another edition

5.0

This was such a beautifully illustrated picture book and IT RHYMES! I am a sucker for a good rhyming book and this is one of those. I love the representation of children with different skin colors and it's just a very sweet message about being an individual and how being smart is more than just tests and facts. I'm not sure if I could get away with doing this at a storytime, maybe one for older kiddos but my toddlers might just stare at me blankly. :) I'm definitely adding this book to my list of books to buy for baby showers though!

rallisaurus's review against another edition

5.0

The rhyme is kinda weird sometimes, possibly because it’s Australian? But otherwise delightful!

snarkywench's review against another edition

5.0

I loved the joy and breeziness of the illustrations paired with validating words on all the amazing ways you can be smart. Also, the Anne of Green Gables reference was a heart stealer.

Cannot wait to send this to my nieces.

bookswithbre's review against another edition

I read this after finding it at work after it was referenced in Bri Lee's "Who Gets to be Smart?".

oliviaaschumer's review against another edition

5.0

“Smart is not just ticks and crosses, smart is building boats from boxes”

“Smart is kindness when there’s crying”

“Smart is reading, writing, spelling, but it’s also storytelling”

happy_stomach's review

hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

5.0

Impressive array of vignettes with nuanced messages—for adults, too!