The BA Children’s Bookselling Group has announced All the Ways to be Smart by Davina Bell and Allison Colpoys as its Independent Booksellers’ Children’s Book of the Month for February.

The third book from the award-winning creators of The Underwater Fancy-Dress Parade and Under the Love Umbrella, All the Ways to be Smart is a joyful ode to all the unique and wonderful qualities that make children who they are. It is available to buy now, published by Scribble. 

Responding to the book’s selection, Davina Bell remarked on the importance of independent bookshops: “The inspiration, comfort and wonder that books can bring to our lives — all this is on show to our children when we take them to our local independent bookshops, each a beautiful castle of stories, thoughtfully built and lovingly shared.” Illustrator Allison Colpoys agreed, commenting “As well as creating community around books and spaces for kids and families to share their love of stories, independent bookstores support local artists, writers and publishers in their efforts to bring relevant, meaningful books to life.” 

Emma Bradshaw, Head of Campaigns at the BA, commented: “All the Ways to be Smart is a vibrant, relevant picture book with an empowering message for young people. I’m thrilled that the panel has selected it to be our second Book of the Month.”

Chosen by a panel of independent booksellers from a range of new children’s titles, the Book of the Month showcases independent bookshops’ expertise at promoting and selling children’s books. 

Independent bookshops around the UK and Ireland will be promoting All the Ways to be Smart throughout February. The BA will be supporting the promotion of the Children’s Book of the Month through social media and promotional materials, including posters, badges, bookmarks, stickers and colouring sheets. Booksellers will also be supporting the Children’s Book of the Month on social media.