Compiled by Cynthia Leitich Smith

Check out the book trailer for Because Amelia Smiled by David Ezra Stein (Candlewick, 2012). From the promotional copy:

Because Amelia smiles as she skips down the street, her neighbor Mrs. Higgins smiles too, and decides to send a care package of cookies to her grandson Lionel in Mexico. 

The cookies give Lionel an idea, and his idea inspires a student, who in turn inspires a ballet troupe in England!


And so the good feelings that started with Amelia’s smile make their way around the world, from a goodwill recital in Israel, to an impromptu rumba concert in Paris, to a long-awaited marriage proposal in Italy, to a knitted scarf for a beloved niece back in New York.


Putting a unique spin on “what goes around comes around,” David Ezra Stein’s charmingly illustrated story reminds us that adding even a small dose of kindness into the world is sure to spur more and more kindness, which could eventually make its way back to you!