Pick of the Week: Because Amelia Smiled

Because Amelia Smiled by David Ezra Stein (Candlewick Press, 2012)

Good things happen, all because Amelia smiled. Because Amelia smiles, as she walks down the street, Mrs. Higgins smiles, too. This makes her think of her grandson, Lionel, who lives in Mexico. So, she bakes him some cookies to send to him...and then, when Lionel receives them, more good things happen! This is a book about the goodness of "paying it forward". One small act of kindness can go a long way, and even small children will be able to pick up on the positive message in this lushly illustrated book.