"A Very Smelly Day" is the first installment of a new three-book series by Michelle Toma Olson. The idea behind this vividly illustrated and compelling book series came from the author's daughter's love of smell and memory. The book's protagonist, Nelly, studies her surroundings through her great sense of smell, which could help children discover amazing things every day.

The series, including "A Very Smelly Visit" and "A Very Smelly Christmas," aims to educate children about the mysteries of their senses and the importance of simple things in life. With its likable characters and familiar events, this book is a fantastic read for bedtime or independent reading. The story reminds us about the joy of life's small things.

"A Very Smelly Day" captures the beauty of ordinary daily life events - a bond between a parent and a child that embraces the reader's heart to express a relatable experience of young readers.

Writing Style and Structure

"A Very Smelly Day" has a lighthearted, whimsical, and incredibly captivating writing style for its target readership: young children. The author uses short sentences and straightforward language to make the book readable by young readers and engaging for pre-readers when read aloud. Repetitive elements, like Nelly's family members sharing their distinct viewpoints on scents, give the story rhythm and familiarity, making it simple for kids to follow along and participate in the reading experience. 

READ ALSO: How to Spark a Child's Interest in Reading? Start Them Young!

The story is organized simply and chronologically, taking the reader through Nelly's day from dawn to dusk. Every page and spread highlights a different event or activity from Nelly's day, and each is enhanced by vibrant drawings that fit the text and tell the story well. The seamless transition between scenes in the book weaves a captivating tale, keeping young readers engaged until the final pages. 

A Heartwarming Tale of a Child's Inquisitiveness

Drawing inspiration from her daughter, Olson created this captivating book to celebrate the often-neglected sense of scent. Vibrant illustrations inspired by her daughter's drawings bring the author's words to life, creating a lively narrative. Now, Olson shares this reimagined version of Nelly, hoping to evoke happy nostalgia and inspire readers to follow their noses.

"A Very Smelly Day" draws us into a world where every sniff brings joy. This tale teaches that even the most common scenes hold rich, scent-filled wonders. Nelly starts each day as coffee notes drift from her father's mug - these are her signals to rise. With each step and every hug of her little brother, she breathes in life's cozy and sweet aromas.

As the book unfolds, readers are shown lively images paired with text that grabs anyone. Smelling her mother's clean laundry smell and receiving sage advice regarding the nose from her grandmother fuel Nelly's deep love for smells. 

A Delightful Journey Through Senses

The book delves deeply into how everyday tasks like grilling meat for dinner or savoring warm brownies can engage our senses, representing one of its most illuminating aspects. These moments, which resonate deeply with young readers by encouraging them to pay closer attention to the overlooked details of everyday life, subtly reinforce the value of observing one's surroundings with a curious eye.

A Very Smelly Day" is a delightful and endearing book that highlights the beauty of ordinary existence. Children can find and appreciate the small pleasures in life that can be discovered in their surroundings by using all of their senses. This endearing tale is sure to become a cherished choice for families everywhere, with its endearing characters making both young readers and their caretakers chuckle subtly. 

RELATED ARTICLE: Nurturing Curiosity: A Review of 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar' by Eric Carle