Review: All the Ways to be Smart

I can't tell you how enamoured I am with this joyful and vibrant book from dream team Davina Bell and Allison Colpoys.

I want to give it full marks, but in a world dominated by ticks and crosses, this book is about so much more than marks.

It's a glorious celebration of all the different and fabulous qualities that make our children special and, yes, smart.

It's about the practical — Smart at drawing things with claws, facts about the dinonsaurs. Folding aeroplanes for flying... — and the emotional — Smart is kindness when there's crying.

It's about being curious, creative, thoughtful, funny and our own unique selves.

Bringing home this message of individuality is the natural and understated way Davina and Allison incorporate diversity into their books, making them shine with inclusiveness.

As always, Allison Colpoys' illustrations shimmer with vibrancy; her loose-line illustrations and selective colour palette exuding a nostalgic charm. Children will want to pore over each page, while the seamless read-out-loud rhyming pattern will ensure this is a favourite for years to come.

The award-winning creators of The Underwater Fancy-Dress Parade and Under the Love Umbrella have produced a timely and timeless classic to help foster confidence instead of competitiveness. It may be too early to call, but I'm thinking 'picture book of the year'.

Title: All the ways to be Smart
Author: Davina Bell
Illustrator: Allison Colpoys
Publisher: Scribble Kids Books, $24.99
Publication Date: 15 October 2018
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781925713435
For ages: 1 - 6
Type: Picture Book