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How do we smell things?

Quick Answer

We smell when tiny particles from food, flowers, or soap float into our nose. Inside, special cells send signals to the brain. The brain recognizes patterns and says, “That’s cinnamon,” “That’s rain,” or “That’s dinner.”

Why This Story Works for Bedtime

It’s soothing and sensory. Kids can connect it to cozy bedtime smells—clean pajamas, a favorite blanket—without making anything intense.

Story at a Glance

RECOMMENDED AGES

3-7 years

READING TIME

2 min

THEMES
gentleeasy to understandour body & sensessmellsenseslearningcuriosity
Also available inEspañol

Story Synopsis

Smells can feel like gentle memories: warm bread, shampoo after a bath, or the air after rain. This story explains how smelling works in a calm, simple way. It begins with tiny smell-particles. When something has a scent, little bits float through the air. When you breathe in, those bits travel into your nose. Inside your nose are special ‘smell helpers’—cells that can notice different shapes of particles. They send a message to your brain. Your brain is like a smart library: it compares the new smell to smells it has met before. The story also connects smell to taste, showing why food can seem bland when your nose is stuffed. Miluna keeps everything gentle and curious, helping children enjoy their senses and notice the comforting smells that can make bedtime feel safe and familiar.

Story Excerpt

Have you ever smelled warm toast Or a flower in the sun Smells start as tiny bits in the air You cannot see them but they float When you breathe in air goes into your nose Those tiny bits ride in with the air High inside your nose is a special patch It has


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In One Glance

This story explains how we smell. Tiny particles from something with a scent float in the air and enter our nose when we breathe. Special cells in the nose detect these particles and send signals to the brain. The brain compares the pattern to smells it already knows and identifies it. Smell also helps taste, which is why food can taste different when your nose is blocked.

Frequently Asked Questions

It explains scent particles, special nose cells, and how the brain recognizes smells.

Ages 3–7.

Yes—soft sensory examples and a gentle tone.

No. It’s cozy and everyday.

They make kids notice the world with wonder and build a calm love of learning through reading.