Smarts! Everybody's Got Them

October 21, 2019
Armstrong, a human learning and development expert, translates developmental psychologist Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences in this child-friendly dictation of the eight varieties of “smarts”: word, music, number, picture, body, people, self, and nature. What emerges in an encouraging, easy-to-navigate map of human ability, replete with opportunities for any reader to see themselves as intelligent and proficient on various levels. Armstrong’s language encourages children to be patient with themselves, as “making mistakes is another way to get smarter.” Palin illustrates an inclusive array of children flexing their abilities within each category (for body smarts, playing sports, sculpting, and knitting). Bright colors and giant, cartoon grins add to the book’s overall gusto. A postscript includes suggestions for educators, counselors, and caregivers “helping kids build all their smarts.” Ages 5–9.