Introducing the S.M.I.L.E. Program by Anna Marie Hrivnak

The S.M.I.L.E (Sharing Memories Inspires Lifelong Empowerment) Program encourages adults to actively engage with children when reading books together. Time spent reading provides an invitation to share and exchange nostalgic memories and experiences.

Recalling fond memories from the past and sharing them benefit both readers and
listeners alike. The S.M.I.L.E. program brings these two important facets of life together to help build a foundation of trust and confidence in children. Sharing stories and
memories helps nurture essential relationships with children as parents/guardians, and grandparents exchange meaningful past experiences. This bond helps young readers strengthen their self-confidence while creating a sense of belonging and may even foster a sense of pride for one’s family. Additionally, the S.M.I.L.E. program benefits readers of all ages as the active recall of memories stimulates and increases brain neuroplasticity.

The books in the program activate the imagination of young listeners, whose minds are nourished by the heartwarming stories of those reading to them. The mutually beneficial effects of shared time and memories foster the foundation of lifelong empowerment of relationships with self and others.

Example One: Baking cookies with grandmom. Can you share your experience with your little listener about a time you made a baked good with a loved one? Perhaps you baked Christmas cookies or biscuits with your grandmother, or you have another memory to share!

Example Two: Watching fireworks. Can you share a memory of watching fireworks on the 4th of July with your family, or perhaps share your favorite 4th of July picnic memory? What did you do? What was the food like? How did you connect with your family?

The books included in this program are carefully curated by the program’s founder, Anna Marie Hrivnak, based on their alignment with the program’s specific goals. If you have a book that you believe would be a great fit for the S.M.I.L.E program, we encourage you to submit it for consideration. Please contact

Anna Marie Hrivnak at angelsrwhispering@yahoo.com with the subject line S.M.I.L.E. Please add a brief description of your book and why you think it would fit this program.

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