Let’s Work Smarter by Katharine Mitropoulos (Author) and Laura Watson (Illustrator)

This review first appeared on Reader Views. Read the Reader Views Kids version here.

Everyone agrees that the Harmony Lane playground is in need of some repair, so they raise money through their farmers’ market. After meeting their financial goal, the folks of Harmony Lane get together to improve their beloved community space. However, while they all work incredibly hard, not much seems to be getting done.

The citizens of Harmony Lane get together and brainstorm ideas of how to work smarter, instead of harder. After strategizing, the group figures out how to use their various skills and planning techniques to accomplish their goals effectively. Soon, everyone enjoys the new and improved playground. “Let’s Work Smarter” by Katharine Mitropoulos rounds out with some concrete suggestions for how to get kids to work smarter, not harder.

Let’s Work Smarter is an excellent educational tale. Author Katharine Mitropoulos’ emphasis on teamwork, planning, and utilizing different skill sets does not go unnoticed by readers young or old. The plot provides young readers with the opportunity to think of how they would accomplish the same goals as the delightful folks on Harmony Lane.

This is strengthened by the real-life examples of working smarter at the back of the book. Those reading the book to kids can easily prompt the kids to think of their own ideas about how to work more effectively. Additionally, children who are enjoying the book may think of ways their own community spaces could be improved and thus be inspired to take action to make those improvements a reality.

Laura Watson’s illustrations are immensely delightful. The variety of animals will encourage vocabulary building in young readers. Additionally, the full, yet not overly busy pages will allow young readers to discover a lot without being overwhelmed.

Mitropoulos’ Let’s Work Smarter from the Harmony Lane Adventures series is an impressive feat of a picture book. Not only does it tell a tale of community engagement, but it also shares how people (or animals, as is in the case of the story) can work together creatively and effectively to improve shared spaces. Illustrator Watson’s colorful and bright images will also attract many a reader to pay attention and engage with this educational and delightful tale for pre-readers and early readers aged 3-8 years.

Let’s Work Smarter by Katharine Mitropoulos (Author) and Laura Watson (Illustrator), Set Sail Press