All the Ways to Be Smart
Verdict: Masterpiece | Parent Survival: 9/10
I’m generally suspicious of books that want to teach my kid something. They tend to be worthy and dull, the literary equivalent of being told to eat your greens. “This book will build self-esteem!” the cover promises, and inside you find flat rhymes about believing in yourself while a diverse cast of children smile blandly at nothing.
All the Ways to Be Smart should be one of those books. It has a message. It wants to expand your child’s definition of intelligence. These are red flags.
And yet.
What Makes This Different
Davina Bell writes with actual rhythm. Her words flow. There’s musicality to it—you read it aloud and it feels good in your mouth. This is rarer than it should be.
But the real star is Allison Colpoys’ illustrations. These aren’t “children’s book illustrations”—they’re art. Rich teals, warm pinks, unusual compositions. Every page looks like something you could frame. I’ve genuinely considered cutting pages out of this book to hang on walls, which is saying something given my opinions about book destruction.
The Message (Without the Medicine)
Smart isn’t just good grades and knowing answers. Smart is noticing things. Smart is kindness. Smart is climbing trees, making art, understanding how people feel.
You’ve heard this before. But Bell doesn’t lecture—she shows. Page after page of different children being smart in different ways. My kid sees herself somewhere in there. That’s the point, and it lands.
The Inconvenient Truth
This book might make you emotional. It’s the combination—the beautiful words, the stunning art, the underlying message of “you are enough exactly as you are.” I’ve had to clear my throat more than once while reading it at bedtime.
This is fine. I’m fine. I just have something in my eye.
Best For
Kids aged 3-5 who are starting to compare themselves to others. Children who don’t fit the traditional “smart kid” mould. Parents who want to nurture confidence without resorting to empty praise or aggressive affirmations.
Also excellent as a gift. Baby showers, birthdays, starting school—this says “I hope good things for this child” better than any card.
Buy it here (Affiliate link. Art fund.)