Author(s): Davina Bell

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Smart is not just ticks and crosses,smart is building boats from boxes.Painting patterns, wheeling wagons,being mermaids, riding dragons … From the award-winning creators of The Underwater Fancy-dress Parade and Under the Love Umbrella comes this joyful ode to all the unique and wonderful qualities that make children who they are. 

Review: `Every page of this book in joyous, imaginative and life-affirming ... All the Ways to be Smart is a celebration of what childhood can be, and it will likely become a classic.' -Louise Pfanner, bookseller and author/illustrator of the `Louise Builds ...' series, Books+Publishing
`The book, All the Ways to Be Smart, aims to teach children that there is more to being smart than reading to maths and encourages the pursuit of the arts.' -The Leader `This book is funny and tender, exuberant and whimsical, and an absolute joy to pore over ... Colpoys' distinctive illustrations fizz with her trademark charm and vivacity; the colours burst out of the page with wild abandonment.' -Bronte Coates, Readings
`Joyful and vibrant ... Allison Colpoys' illustrations shimmer with movement and vivacity, with her loose-line illustrations and selective colour palette exuding a nostalgic retro charm. Children will want to pore over each page, while the seamless read-out-loud rhyming pattern will ensure this is a favourite for years to come.' -Kids' Book Review
`This collaboration between Davina Bell and Alison Colpoys is a celebration of what makes us us, of the strengths that we all have within ourselves - whether we're dreamers, adventurers, readers or artists ... The illustrations are whimsical and fun, with a beautiful colour palette.' -Noveltea Corner
`This book needs to be in the hands of every policy-maker in the sphere of Education, in every classroom, in every library, and in every home ... This book is an utterly glorious call to celebrate your strengths and your own unique smarts.' -Oh Creative Day
`All The Ways to be Smart is the most beautiful, brilliant new picture book. Full stop. Charming illustrations in pretty, appealing colours? Check. Great rhyming text that is super fun to read aloud? Check. A wonderful message conveyed in a beautiful non-judgey way? Check. The book is a joyful celebration of childhood and all the different, unique ways to be smart.'-Courtney Adamo, Babyccino
`A celebration of creativity and emotional intelligence featuring a diverse cast of kids. A reassuring read for primary-aged children who feel like a round peg in a square, academic hole.' -Philippa Chandler, Guardian Australia
`All the Ways to Be Smart by Davina Bell and Allison Colpoys (Scribe) is a joyous picture book that enthusiastically celebrates the power of the imagination while challenging stereotypes about what it means to be clever. With its flawless rhymes and winning illustrations, this book has all the makings of a classic.' -Sydney Morning Herald
`This book teaches children that intelligence is so much more than being book-smart. Intelligence can also mean being empathetic, artistic, athletic, and inquisitive. It places value in every kind of talent, from `building boats from boxes' to `kindness when there's crying'. All the Ways to Be Smart is the perfect feel-good bedtime story that I can't wait to gift this Christmas.' -Sherry Landow, Writing NSW

Author Biography: Davina Bell (Author) Davina Bell is an award-winning author of books for young readers of many ages. She writes picture books (including Under the Love Umbrella and All the Ways To Be Smart), as well as junior fiction, middle-grade fiction and YA. Davina lives in Melbourne, where she works as a children's book publisher. She talks to kids and adults around the country about the enchanting world of books and ideas. Allison Colpoys (Illustrator) Allison Colpoys is an award-winning designer and illustrator based in Melbourne, Australia.