Smile, Sophia

PreS-Gr 2--Budding paleontologist Sophia is serious about digging for dinosaurs. Very serious. So serious she hardly ever smiles, which is a concern for the adults around her. But Sophia has no reason to smile. She's not mad. She's not upset. She's just serious, and only wants to smile when she feels like it. "There's no correlation between smiling and finding dinosaurs!" Digging for dinosaurs makes her very happy. Just not smile-y. And despite their cajoling--"Smile for the camera! Welcome the audience with a smile!"--Sophia will not smile just because adults want her to. "I'll smile when I have something worth smiling about!" she exclaims. Boldly colored illustrations bring rich visuals to the story. Although the idea that children should be honest about their feelings is completely gender neutral, the adult topic of gender-based harassment, nodding to the "Stop Telling Women to Smile" movement, is handled with perfect age-appropriateness. Spoiler alert: Sophia does smile. But only for herself! VERDICT Another title in the popular dinosaur story category with a fresh perspective and eye-opening message for all kids, but especially young girls: Keep it real. You don't need to put on a show for others.--Jennifer Noonan

The book gives full respect to Sophia's refusal to perform an emotion.... Body language and facial expressions are skillfully deployed, with Sophia's classmates and teachers' loose energy contrasting with her arms-crossed awkwardness at school, while power poses and wide-eyed wonder easily convey the strength and joy she feels at the dig site. — Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (BCCB)