It's the morning walk to school and it doesn't feel right. The day has
started gloomy, when it's normally bright. And, so begins a series of
changes that turns young Miles' day upside down. Once friendly and
familiar, everything on that school walk now seems distant, sad, or
stressed. The weather. The community workers. Even the neighbor's dog,
Daisy.
At school, things don't lighten up for Miles. There, he's introduced to
a series of new rules meant to help prevent the spread of germs, and all
the change overwhelms him, translating into major anxiety and sadness of
his own. But, with the help of his patient teacher, Ms. Franklin, Miles
learns the value of embracing change and remaining positive. And, he
also learns how sharing one little smile, even one you can keep in your
pocket, can bring perspective and happiness to yourself and those around
you.
More relevant than ever before in our current "pandemic era," A Smile
in Your Pocket provides caregivers with a fun storytime read that
provides a conversation primer about good hygiene, social distancing,
and coping with emotions.
Written in partnership with an accomplished child therapist, A Smile in
Your Pocket combines sweet art and rhythmic text to tell a charming
story that focuses on CASEL standards of social emotional development,
and more specifically about combating negative emotions and the power of
positivity.
This title is leveled using both the Lexile and Fountas & Pinnell
reading level standards. Includes backmatter that cover tips for helping
children cope with loneliness and isolation.