Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie Kingsley
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Friends learn about independence in charming picture book.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 3+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In NORMAN AND THE SMELL OF ADVENTURE, Norman is a young porcupine whose best friend Mildred is a tree. They do everything together—until Norman gets frustrated that Mildred always wants to do the same things. He packs a bag and storms off to try something new without her, going down long paths and climbing mountains until he finds himself staring at a view he knows someone else would love.
Is It Any Good?
With outstanding illustrations and a feisty plot that's full of warmth, this sweet picture book about friendship and independence is a joy to read. Norman and the Smell of Adventure is a great read-aloud, and it's a reminder that caring for yourself is part of being a good friend to others. Norman learns the value of taking time for himself and doing things that make him happy, which in turn help him be a better friend to Mildred. Norman's facial expressions are fun to see on the pages and would be great for young readers to imitate.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what it's like to step out and do something on your own the way Norman does in Norman and the Smell of Adventure. How do you feel when you're trying something by yourself?
Where would you go on an independent adventure? Would it take a lot of courage to go on your own? Why, or why not?
Who would you like to come back and talk to about what you saw and did on your adventure? Why them?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Ryan T. Higgins
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Adventures
- Character Strengths : Courage , Curiosity
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Disney-Hyperion
- Publication date : July 1, 2025
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 3 - 6
- Number of pages : 48
- Available on : Hardback, Apple Books
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate