Picturebook Review: Because Amelia Smiled by David Ezra Stein

Because Amelia Smiled, written and illustrated by David Ezra Stein, is a book that shows that even the smallest happy moment can cause a chain effect to bring joy to others. The illustrations are a little chaotic and messy, with dark lines and lots of color, but since life is as well I found that the style worked for me here.  The story follows one young girl, and demonstrates how her smile to a neighbor triggers a series of happy moments and good deeds. A sweet look at the idea that what comes around goes around.

Because Amelia Smiled is a delightful look at the idea that if you put good out into the world, it will come back around. More importantly is shows young readers that something as simple as a smile, wave, or good morning can really make someone's day and inspire them to pass the happiness they feel on to someone else. This could be used as a great discussion starter about how different the story could have been in Amelia did not smile, or if someone had done something mean instead of nice. This charming story can reminds us that even the tiniest bit of kindness can inspire more kindness, which could eventually make its way back to you, but even it it does not it has certainly made a difference in someone's day! Because Amelia Smiled is great for one on one sharing, storytime settings, or classroom discussion.