Debbie Sahlin

You Have a Beautiful Smile Debbie Sahlin

Emily loves to ride her bike, play with her friends, and swim at the local pool. One day, she sees a boy in a wheelchair at the pool. Curious, she stares at him. Emily knows she shouldn't stare because she doesn't like when people stare at her, but she just can't help it. Emily's mother explains the situation, and together they approach the boy. With just one smile, Emily and Ryan become friends. Emily learns to consider how her actions affect others and is able to see beyond Ryan's differences. From this, she gains a new friend and discovers a beautiful truth-we are all more alike than different. A fiction book for parents and children, You Have a Beautiful Smile offers a discussion that helps children understand when they see a person living with a disability. The natural tendency is to hush our children in an effort to be respectful and polite, but this story illustrates this moment and teaches a better, more inclusive way to address children's questions.