The power of a smile is often underestimated, but it can build bridges and forge connections between people of all ages. For children, a simple smile and conscious effort to be kind to one another can make a real difference in ensuring everyone feels accepted and loved, regardless of their different backgrounds and struggles.

Wanting to spread the message and provide families and schools with an accessible and easy resource to teach children about building strong friendships, Melanie Broughton wrote Daisy Finds Her Smile. The book is a heart-warming children’s book based on a true story about Melanie’s pet ducks and chickens. Melanie is a mum of three grown up children, when one of them was bullied at school, she realised that the story of one of her ducks in particular, Daisy, could open up and inspire discussions with children about bullying and steer them toward a kinder, fairer and more inclusive world.

Melanie bought Daisy the duck and initially put her in with her chickens, however Daisy had a hidden disability which made her clumsy. The chickens bullied her constantly until she became isolated and only spent time by herself. Seeing that Daisy was lonely and sad, Melanie bought two other ducks to be Daisy’s friends, and she immediately perked up and became happier.

Daisy Finds Her Smile is the perfect book to encourage conversations around bullying, mental health, feelings and how to treat others with compassion and acceptance, despite their differences. It can help children understand that not all disabilities are visible and that being thoughtful toward others can make a lasting difference. Melanie emphasises that everyone has their own special ‘smiling powers’ which can help others feel welcome and build meaningful relationships. After all, a smile is infectious, it’s the simplest way to share happiness.

Combining an uplifting and empathetic tale with educational takeaways, Daisy Finds Her Smile is the ideal read for young children aged between four and eight, families looking for a cheerful story to read together and teachers wanting to introduce the topic of anti-bullying and an understanding about treating all people with acceptance to their students. It would make a valuable addition to any family or school bookshelf.

Daisy Finds Her Smile is published by Panoma Press and available on Amazon.