Book Review
by Haley Bono
The Skunk Who Couldn’t Smell By Sarah McCormick is all about accepting differences. Smellarella one day realizes she can't smell! As she tells her siblings, they test all sorts of smelly things, none of which the poor skunk can smell. Her mother takes her to the doctors who confirm Smellarella doesn’t have an olfactory bulb, the very thing needed to smell.
There are several things to love about this book, but I absolutely love how Smellarella has to accept her differences in a family of skunks, and maybe that isn’t always so bad. I also love the science this book brings in, by explaining words such as “olfactory bulb”. On the “About the Author” page we learn that the author, Sarah, has a genetic condition that impacts her ability to smell. This personal connection makes the story so much more beautiful.
I am so excited to say Rella B. Books partnered with Yarn Spinning Mama with this review. Rella B. produces amazing podcasts, and posts incredible Youtube videos with wonderful read-alouds of children's books. She will be doing a YouTube read aloud of THIS BOOK! You can check out her youtube channel here. If you would like to add this amazing book to your library you can buy it here.
Activity
Smell is one of our five senses, and very important when trying to avoid things that could harm us. If you want to learn a little more about smell, and why some things smell bad, while other things smell good click here.
Supplies:
Free Printable Template (there will be a download at the end of the post), something to color with, scissors, glue, blank paper (optional).
Directions:
- Color each template. If you are using crayons, try not to color, try not to color on the dotted tabs, or the white shapes on the room page. The wax from the crayons may impact how well the glue sticks.
- Cut out the basket, garbage, and dishwasher.
- Bend the dotted tabs and place a small amount of glue on them, and then stick them to the right shape on the room page. This should make a “pocket”.
- Cut out the various smelly items.
- Help your little one sort where each smelly item goes. For example all the dishes should go in the dishwasher, garbage and old food goes in the garbage can, while dirty clothes go in the laundry basket.
Different Variations:
- If you are working with older kids you can use a blank sheet of paper to draw, and cut out your own “smelly” stuff. Where would it go?
Author: Haley Bono
Haley is a mom of two who loves reading and writing. She spends most of her time brainwashing her kids into loving books as much as she does. She does this by reading to them daily from her personal library that never seems to have enough room for the number of books she buys. When she isn't tormenting her family with literature, she enjoyes the outdoors and cooking weird food.