The World Born from a Baby’s Smile

Essay Writing Competition 2025
Category: 8 - 11 years
- Merit -

The essay "The World Born from a Baby’s Smile" written by Erkin Akman was chosen as a commended essay in the Junior category of the 2025 Kids World Travel Guide writing competition.

The World Born from a Baby’s Smile

Every morning, the sun rises in our home with my baby sister’s laugh. When she wakes up, a big smile appears on her face. She cannot talk yet, but her laugh says, "Hello, world!" Her smile makes our home bright and happy.

Sometimes I just sit and watch her. She reaches out to me with her sweet little hands, and her eyes shine like stars. She thinks the world is always good. She looks around like nothing bad exists. Maybe that is why she starts every day so happy. I wish everyone could see the world the way she does.

But when I look out the window, I see a different world. I see tired faces and busy grown-ups. I see neighbors who do not say hello. Then I think, "Maybe people forgot how to smile. Maybe that is why we try so hard to be happy."

My baby sister sometimes takes my toys. At first, I feel angry. But then she smiles at me, and my anger goes away. I share my toy, and we play together. Then I understand: peace can start small: by sharing, saying sorry, and laughing together.

In my dream world, everyone starts the day with a smile. People say good morning and help each other. Children play outside without fear. Schools are full of laughter. No one is hungry, sad, or lonely.

Sometimes I imagine: if the world started with a baby’s laugh, the trees would dance with their branches. The sky would be bluer, and the clouds would be whiter. Flowers would grow along the roads, and birds would sing all day. Maybe one day a baby could be the leader of the world. Then no one would shout, and everyone would wake up smiling.

When I hear my sister’s laugh, I think, "Maybe we forgot how to smile. When did we lose this innocence and start looking for peace?" I wish everyone could see the world through her eyes.

Maybe peace is like her laugh, it spreads from one person to another. It can start in one home, then spread to the whole street, and finally to the whole world. When that day comes, the world will be like a big playground, full of laughter and joy.

In the Age category 8 - 11 years, Erkin's inspiring essay makes us feel warm and happy! And yes, peace starts with us all, as it spreads the message of kindness, happiness and laughter from one person to another. Well done!

Erkin attends Şehit Cengiz Gülcü İlkokulu in Isparta/ Türkiye. The student's home language is Turkish, English is studied as second language.