The Smile Shop: questions to ask and activities to try
A boy's first pocket money is gone, until he finds the Smile Shop. The Smile Shop is a simple, powerful story about kindness being worth more than money.
What age is it for? The Smile Shop is best for ages 3–7. Good for: Losing something, and finding kindness is worth more than money.
The Smile Shop (Satoshi Kitamura)
- Age
- 3-7
- Best for
- Losing something, and finding kindness is worth more than money
Read it and pause when things go wrong. Ask how the boy feels, and what a smile can do for someone.
What it helps with
- Disappointment when things go wrong
- Kindness from strangers
- What really makes us happy
- Pocket money and choices
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “What did the boy want to buy?”
- “What went wrong?”
- “How did he feel?”
- “What did he find at the Smile Shop?”
- “Can a smile change someone’s day?”
- “Who could you smile at today?”
5-minute activities to try together
Smile spotting
Count how many smiles you get back today by smiling first.
Pocket money plan
Talk about how your child would spend, save or share pocket money.
Free printables: The Smile Shop worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
To Market! To Market! (Anushka Ravishankar and Emanuele Scanziani)
- Best for
- Nonsense rhyme, and the fun of a busy market
- Age
- 3-7
Blue Monster Wants It All! (Jeanne Willis and Jenni Desmond)
- Best for
- Always wanting more, and what really makes us happy
- Age
- 3-7
A Great Big Cuddle (Michael Rosen and Chris Riddell)
- Best for
- Joining in with rhymes and sounds, and sharing feelings
- Age
- 0-5
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 10 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.