You Can Say Hi with Only a Smile
Can a smile say just as much as words? Absolutely—and it might be someone’s favorite way to say hello.
You Can Say Hi with Only a Smile is a warm and inclusive picture book that celebrates all the different ways people communicate. Whether it’s speaking, signing, waving, using a device, or simply smiling, every style is valid and beautiful. This gentle story helps children understand that communication looks different for everyone—and that’s perfectly okay.
Key Features:
- Encourages kids to embrace different communication styles with empathy and confidence
- Supports social-emotional learning and neurodiversity awareness
- Perfect for ages 4–8—great for classrooms, therapists, and family reading
- Created by Magination Press, the children’s imprint of the American Psychological Association—trusted experts in children’s emotional development
| Format | Your Price | Add |
|---|---|---|
|
978-1-4338-4557-4
|
$18.99 | |
|
978-1-4338-4780-6
|
$23.99 |
| Interest Level | Preschool - Grade 2 |
|---|---|
| Reading Level | Grade 2 |
| Genre | Picture Books |
| Category | Diverse Books: Celebrating Differences , Diverse Books: Mental Health & Neurodiversity, Diversity, SEL: B Self-Management, SEL: C Social Awareness, Social Emotional Learning |
| Copyright | 2026 |
| Publisher | Magination Press, American Psychological Association |
| Imprint | Magination Press — American Psychological Association |
| Language | English |
| Number of Pages | 32 |
| Publication Date | 2025-09-09 |
Author: Merriam Sarcia Saunders
Merriam Sarcia Saunders, LMFT, is a licensed family therapist and child custody mediator specializing in helping neurodivergent families and children, specifically with ADHD, autism, anxiety, and learning disorders.
Illustrator: Tracy Bishop
Tracy Nishimura Bishop is a full-time illustrator with a passion for children’s books. She has a degree in graphic design with a focus on animation and illustration. She lives in California.
Awards
- Child Mind Institute's Best Children's Books for Mental Health Award