Smartview Stories model ways that families and communities can support each other in feeling safe and finding ways forward in these times of change. Our original inspiration was something like Winnie the Pooh storybooks, warm characters that welcome inner experiences. 

Within each Smartview Stories book, our three stories are Flesch-Kincaid Reading Level Grade 3, supplemental pages are Grades 4-6. The characters and events portrayed in our books are fictitious and based on real life experiences. There is an understanding that human beings are living processes. Each book includes three short stories featuring one family. A fourth story features our Inner Companions. Based on neuroscience concepts, the inner companions help illustrate our inner world.

Our books bring our inner world to life via three Inner Companions: Hummah, Sleuthin, and Ashamaya. These three aspects of being human help us experience and live our life. They are with us at every moment. As we become more aware of them, we understand HOW to better support ourselves, and those around us, in all types of life situations. May this trio of inner companions inspire you in your journey toward thriving.

Our setting is Smartview Village. We base it on a lovely Appalachian tourist spot called Smart View Recreation Area along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Floyd, VA, USA. Our stories begin in 2018 when a group of people gather at the local library to find a way forward. All around them, they are experiencing cultural norms falling apart. It confuses them. What is clear is that they can help each other. Staying together as a community brings a sense of safety. They can lean on each other. The way they live changes. These families recognize the value of sharing their stories. 

Wow! We finished your book! It was amazing and it was absolutely perfect for all the things we’ve been talking about! We will definitely have to re-read it and I will be sharing it with many people.

What a great gift you’ve given the world. Helping kids find the word to communicate their feelings is always a challenge. This book not only give words and ways to express feelings, it also give words and ways to express the process while you are feeling things you aren’t ready to name.  It’s great for kids and also great for parents to learn the language and tools to connect with and accept feelings.

~Dolphin Thalhauser, Middle School Teacher and Mom of a 6 and 9 yr old