This book is written in a couplet format with every 2 lines rhyming. The main character has quite the imagination. He is able to work through his problems in a way that kids would likely relate to. Nicely done!

The illustrations in this book are very cute, and the boy's imagination regarding dragons is great, but the story itself cause concern for me. This is yet another book which ostracizes quiet and reserved children for being who they are. This book also has the added theme of being told to smile and say hi. This is highly problematic for many people and is a way that people shame and control others, particularly women and children. Had the book presented ways to approach other children and make friends, that would have been different. Instead, this comes across as a preachy book on the importance of not being quiet or reserved, fitting in, and changing yourself and behavior to make others feel comfortable.

What a cleverly written tale!

This is a charming tale of overcoming shyness and being brave.

It is beautifully written in an easy to read, poetic manner.

I loved the illustrations and would definitely read other titles from this author.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for gifting me this arc in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

Smile and Say Hi is an adorable picture book about an imaginative, but shy boy. Michael has a wonderful, vibrant imagination where he has adventures with his dragon friends. With the help of his dragons, he's able to overcome his fears, to start school, and make new friends.

Thank you Mascot Books and NetGalley for providing this ARC.

As an early childhood specialist and as someone committed to the safety, literacy education, and well-being of all children, I have some real concerns about this book.

Most basically, the font and type color chosen is hard to read, at least on my computer screen. Young children are easily fascinated by letters and text, and books targeted for them should use clear, easily legible fonts and type colors.

More importantly, though, the basic premise of this story is problematic. Children who are reluctant to say "Hi," to strangers (or to anyone!) need to know that they are okay, just the way they are. They need to be taught to honor their inner sense of safety or danger; they need to be free to consent to conversation or not. This story makes light of a child's fear and teaches kids to ignore their intuition and their desires. That is NEVER okay.

This was a really lovely sweet book , perfect for anyone with little ones who get shy/nervous around new people. This book is really well written so it keeps hold of the readers attention , accompanied with beautiful illustrations it makes a perfect read . Plus it also has dinosaurs in it...and who doesn't love them?!

I would definitely recommend this book for anyone with little ones who might just need that little bit more confidence

A wonderful kids book. It has wonderful eye catching illustrations. A heart warming story. The boy who was shy gets trained by a dragon friend. He then understands need of seeking adventures.

This adorable book tells the story of Michael Joe Bob, who is incredibly shy, and his journey of finding the courage, with the help of some friendly dragons, to smile and say hi.

I really enjoyed this book and it’s rhythm and rhyme. It flowed well and is had the perfect length, with wonderful, playful illustrations to keep little ones engaged in the story.

The author has created a lovely book which will support children’s Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED) helping to support and promote confidence and resilience in young children.

What a fab book! I think children will enjoy this story and benefit from its message.

** I received an advanced copy of this ebook to read and review. Thank you NetGalley, the author and publisher for allowing me this opportunity **

This was a fun book. My grandson (5) and I especially loved the dragons and had many conversations about riding dragons through the air. This could easily become a book that would be read over and over, thus teaching the idea of “Smile and Say Hi” to shy children. I rated it 4 stars because I would have liked to see that sentiment expressed more often throughout the book. Repetition forms habit.than you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

What a fun book about a shy introvert like me who imagines and learns that he and by example any of us can do the hard things with just a “hi”.

I recommend this book for anyone with kids or who knows kids.

Meeting new people can be hard, but this cute little story with lyrical, rhyming text and colorful illustrations, frames meeting new people as an adventure instead of an obstacle. It’s short enough that I can see myself reading it at circle time, but long enough to get across its meaning.

Cute book with dragons about an introvert who has trouble speaking to people who might be friends if he only would manage to say hi. A dragon comes visit him, takes him on an adventure, and he discovers the power of the "hi".

Adorable, colourful pictures. The message doesn't feel preachy but fits naturally in the plot of the book. And it shows that speaking to other people might give you access to different ideas, and fun, and you'll glad to have done it despite finding it so hard.

As a child, it can be easy to think you're the only one who does something, and finding yourself depicted in such a book could help a lot.

The arc was provided by the publisher.

Exceptionally well-sustained rhyming couplets tell the story of a boy who is as brave as all that in his imagination, fighting dragons off left, right and centre, but is unable to approach strangers, interact with adults and generally get on with other people without being very shy. Until one of the dragons suggests he put a bit more effort in – after all, the dragons are the creatures that know him best... The illustrations aren't fabulous, with some quite dodgy-looking dragons, and the logic of the story doesn't exactly match the structure of the versifying, but the encouragement that might be had from these pages to the right audience could be phenomenal, so I certainly recommend this.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Mascot Books for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. This is a children's book. This is a fabulous fun book! Full of color and rhymes. I am sure this would help a child think about being brave. 5 stars

An adorable story about a timid boy learning to come out of his shell with help of a magical, fantastical friend.

This cute little book is perfect for kids who aren’t quite confident socializing yet.