At Lauren Simone Publishing House, we cherish stories that uplift, educate, and reflect the world we live in. We were so excited to receive Simon Says Smile, written by Dr. Yahaziel Simon, a board-certified orthodontist and military veteran, who does just that.
Released on February 20, 2025, and beautifully illustrated by Travis A. Thompson, this children’s book is a heartfelt blend of career education and storytelling, tailored perfectly for ages 4–12.
🦷 What’s It About?
Simon, a young Black boy, always dreamed of having the perfect smile. But his crooked teeth and the teasing he endured at school made him feel different, like he didn’t belong. When his mom couldn’t afford braces, Simon was discouraged... until he had a big idea that changed everything.
Rooted in real-life events, Simon Says Smile follows Simon’s inspiring journey from insecurity to empowerment. With love, grit, and a deep desire to help others, Simon grows up to become an orthodontist, transforming not only his smile but also the lives of those around him.
Along the way, young readers learn the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist and discover what it takes to pursue this specialized career. But more importantly, they’ll walk away with the message that true confidence comes from within.
💙 Why This Book Matters
This book touched my heart in so many ways.
For one, it aligns beautifully with our mission of promoting diversity and inclusion. It was powerful to see a young Black male portrayed as kind, brave, and determined—character traits that too often go underrepresented in children's literature. The classroom scenes showed a richly diverse cast of students in both race and gender, normalizing the reality of multicultural classrooms and inclusive communities.
And while the story is uplifting for everyone, I had a personal connection: my children and I have never had a Black dental hygienist, dentist, or orthodontist. Seeing the narrative begin with a white male orthodontist felt familiar and relatable—but witnessing Simon's transformation into an orthodontist himself was truly powerful. It’s that full-circle moment that shows growth, possibility, and representation. This story will surely inspire children of color to dream big and see themselves in professions where they’ve often been underrepresented.
🖼 The Art, the Message, and the Magic
Travis A. Thompson’s illustrations bring warmth and joy to every page, with expressive characters and colorful, kid-friendly designs. The storytelling is age-appropriate, educational, without being preachy, and emotionally resonant. And Dr. Simon’s dedication to his mother adds a loving personal touch that reminds us of the family’s sacrifice and support behind every dream.
📖 Order Your Copy and Leave a Review
The book’s 11 x 8 hardcover format is perfect for little hands, bedtime reading, or classroom sharing.
👉 Order now on Amazon: Simon Says Smile
And if your kids are curious about more careers, pair this book with:
👉 Olivia Lauren’s Guide to Occupations
A fun and engaging exploration of professions from A to Z, written by a teen author and illustrated by teen artists!
☀️ Summer Reading Challenge: Can You Read 100 Books?
As we celebrate this wonderful new release, we also challenge YOU to join our 100-Book Summer Reading Challenge. Dive into diverse stories, learn something new, and see yourself on every page.
Let Simon Says Smile be your first book of the summer.
Because remember: Simon says… SMILE! 😁
Happy Reading,
The Lauren Simone Publishing House Team
🌐 www.laurensimonepubs.com
📚 Empowering Young Voices. Diversifying Bookshelves.