You Can Say Hi with Only a Smile

by Merriam Sarcia Saunders, Tracy Nishimura Bishop (Illustrator)

Some people say "Hey!" by using their words. They bellow loudly to greet you. But others say hi with only a smile to tell you they're so glad you're here.

There are so many ways that people communicate! And we probably have different styles than lots of our family and friends. Some love to run up and talk to new people right away; some prefer to hang back and let others approach them. Some look people right in the eye, and some prefer to focus somewhere else. Some people love to shake hands or hug, and others may prefer not to touch.

Every person is unique, and the ways we communicate are unique too. The way we talk to new people may be different from the way we talk to family and friends. Or maybe it even changes day to day! However we communicate, it's all okay. You can say hi however you want!

An uplifting and inclusive celebration of all the different ways that people might communicate, whether it's speaking, waving, signing, body language, device-assisted, or more. Includes a Note to Readers.

Genres: Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

Published September 9, 2025

Reviews

[Ellie Schaben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and Merriam Sarcia Saunders for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I have a sister that owns her own speech language pathology clinic, and WOW, this book just makes me want to cry. Inclusiveness in language is so important! I loved the highlighting of language can be interpreted through so many different mannerisms. The illustrations showed this through a multitude of genders, races, and abilities. Teaching our kids to have this attitude when greeting anyone is so important, and I can think of some adults that could benefit from this one too!

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some great communication skills are nonverbal! This book is designed for children and lovingly covers the usual and unusual (e.g. ASL/NZSL) and even using assistive devices. While not shown here, this is also a way to introduce the ability to communicate with adults who are post stroke and other people with unusual presentations.
The illustrations by Tracy Bishop are imaginative and add much to the story in simple figures and bright colors.
Well suited for reading alone or WITH someone of any age, including ESL, and great for gifting to everyone, but especially to a school, waiting room, or your local public library!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected digital Galley on Thorium PDF from Magination Press — American Psychological Association via NetGalley. Pub Date Sep 09, 2025
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[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Merriam Sarcia Saunders’ “You Can Say Hi With Only a Smile” is a sweet exploration of the different ways that humans can greet each other. Sometimes you speak words, but other times, you might just nod or wave or use a device. Tracy Nishimura Bishop’s illustrations are colorful and cheerful, but also gently invite the reader in without being overwhelming.

I love that this book serves to teach young children that however they say hi is fine AND it shows them that just because someone doesn’t greet them in their preferred way does not mean the person isn’t happy to see them. Greetings come in many forms and all are good.

There is a Reader’s Note at the end of the book for adults to help explain nonverbal communication and how to develop communication skills. There’s a section on personal space and consent (for hugging) that is particularly informative.

This book is great for kids who are learning about communication and the different ways that we can say the same thing, even if it’s with only a smile.

I received an advance review copy for free from NetGalley and Magination Press, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Joey Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Magination Press and Netgalley for the ebook to read and review.

Everyone is different, everyone comminucates differently. This book is a perfect example of each persons individuality, showcasing many different ways people say hello to each other.

I loved how we went round to meet all the people in the protagonists life and it shared how each person communicated, from speaking, to a machine, to waves and smiles. The illustrations that went with this book were really sweet and I loved seeing all the visuals of how each person shared their hellos to each other.

This is a great book for helping with young children to learn they can communicate in many different ways, that each person is different, to learn what they are personally comfortable with, what their boundaries are. The book also had lots more resources at the end to further educate on the topic which i love seeing included.

[Jessie (Saffity) · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughter (5) really enjoyed discussing the different ways that people can say hello. She hasn't had a lot of experience with people who use different methods or technologies to communicate, so this book did a great job of giving different examples. We discussed sign language and assistive devices and the reasons that they might be needed. We also discussed how some people are ok with touching and hugs, and others aren't. This book discusses all of these in a way that is normal and accepted without any othering which I thought was fantastic. The illustrations were very cute and clearly showed the different ways the kids were saying hello. My daughter even asked me to look up how to say "Hello nice to meet you" in ASL (which I luckily already knew how to sign correctly). Definitely a book we will be adding to our library in hard copy. We read this e-book through NetGalley.

[Shan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an inclusive and important book; I love it! The author accurately and simply illustrated that there are many different types of ways to greet others, and they're not always physical, big, or verbal. This point is pushed even further because none of the characters make a big deal out of greetings that are different from their own. This was such a good decision because it helps normalize our differences for young readers. Lastly, I specifically want to give credit to the author for including the "aunt that requests a hug" moment, because it's common for kids to have a relative like this, and they might not always want to give a hug. I applaud the main character for sticking to their boundaries and turning down the hug. I can't stress enough how important it is for kids to see characters like that, who put their own needs and boundaries first. Perfect book; bravo!

[Ameliessa Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a lovely, gentle book about all the ways people communicate—speaking, signing, smiling, waving, and even not making eye contact. Every child will find a piece of themselves in these pages. I love how it embraces the idea that communication is not one-size-fits-all. It normalizes different styles, encourages empathy, and shows kids (and adults!) that there’s no “wrong” way to say hello.
The illustrations reflect a beautiful diversity of children and emotions, and the tone throughout is warm and inclusive. The Reader’s Note is packed with practical ideas and insights, especially helpful for families navigating communication differences.
A thoughtful, affirming book for every classroom and home library. Thank you American Psychological Association and NetGalley for the ARC

[Ollie Skyba · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely and enjoyable book about the many ways people communicate. Some are loud, some use gestures, and some are physically unable to speak—but thankfully, technology now helps many express their thoughts. I appreciate the message of inclusivity and understanding.
However, I felt it lacked a bit of depth or a clear narrative. A few situational examples would have been great, allowing young readers to engage in role-playing and better grasp the different forms of communication.
Still, a meaningful book that encourages empathy and awareness!

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

AWWWW I LOVE THIS! This is the kids book version of the millennial tumblr posts along the lines of
"They don't say I love you, they say...
...get home safe.
...good luck on your test.
...this made me think of you.
...text me when you get home."
Plz, someone, understand this reference^

This really is precious though and I will certainly be picking up a copy for my son's little library!

Thank you bunches to Merriam Sarcia Saunders, APA, NetGalley and Magination for the eARC which I have voluntarily reviewed.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The illustrations by Tracy Nishimura Bishop in this book are the cutest! You Can Say Hi With Only A Smile by Merriam Sarcia Saunders is a wonderfully inclusive book that highlights the various ways people communicate with one another, some with their hands, others with a tablet and some with just a smile, wink or a wave and that's ok!
Be sure to read the notes at the end to give you even more insight into understanding about nonverbal communication, personal.space and movement.
Highly recommend!
Thanks to Netgalley for the chance to read it in exchange for my honest thoughts!

[Jeanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some kids are not verbal. They don't feel safe with touch or their words. Do you know a child that expresses non verbally? The first part of this book is for both children and parents. The second part is for the parents with children that are non verbal. There is frustration when it comes to being non verbal for both parents and child and this resource is way to walk thru it.

We all want to be heard even if we can't say the right words.

A special thank you to American Psychological Association and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Kayla Machado · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great book that exposes kids to different types of greetings!
Not all hellos involve talking as demonstrated throughout the book.
Nonverbal communication from either a disability or simply being too shy is okay!
We need more books like this that tell our kids that it is okay!
I was shy as a kid and didn't talk to my dads coworkers, I still do not know why I was like that but I never had anyone telling me that it was okay. Our kids need this, it will resonate with those who do.

[Hailey Vittrup · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received this book as a DRC. You Can Say Hi with Only a Smile is a heartwarming book about the different ways that people greet each other. It is encouraging to know for children and adults alike that greeting someone can be as simple as smiling at them. For those who are not as prone to speak, smiling can be a nonverbal, yet kind, way of saying hi.

[Stella Marchione · Rating 3 out of 5]

Such a cute wave to learn how to great people.

[Beck · Rating 5 out of 5]

netgalley ARC - I am so happy that this exists! I think kids would really benefit from being exposed to diversity in communication and this is a lovely example.

[Jill Sheets · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. One of my favorites.