What happens when a town dares to dream big?
You get a record-breaking gingerbread man — and a story that inspires imagination, community, and heart.
In 2006, the town of Smithville, Texas, came together to bake something extraordinary — a gingerbread man so big it earned a Guinness World Record and sparked a legacy of imagination and pride. That sweet idea — first imagined by one dreamer, then shaped by the town’s bakers, artists, and volunteers — inspired the Smitty’s Small Town Wonders™ series. These stories aren’t just about one cookie — they’re about what happens when creativity, community, and imagination come together to make something worth sharing far beyond one small town.
Fresh Stories are rising…
Explore Smithville with Smitty the Sweet Giant™ and Friends.
A story-based Children’s Coloring and Activity Book Filled with Small-Town Magic
Step into the magic of Explore Smithville, where every page invites kids and families to explore, imagine, and create together. With Smitty the Sweet Giant™ and his pals—Critter, Tiger, and Tin Man—as your friendly guides, you’ll discover the heart of Smithville through hands-on creativity and playful surprises.
Inside, readers can:
- Stamp their way through town with a Sweet Explorer Passport.
- Complete educational puzzles, trivia, and creative drawing and writing prompts.
- Go on adventures beyond the pages with GoWithSmitty™ Travel Buddy
- Color, decorate, and mail postcards
Illustrated by Sara Hickman, Grammy-nominated artist and former Texas Musician of the Year, with imaginative contributions from children across Smithville, TX, this interactive activity book blends coloring pages, local stories, and imaginative prompts that celebrate the spirit and charm of Smithville. Perfect for classrooms, family trips, homeschooling, road trips, local tourism, and anyone seeking a fun, educational, small-town adventure for kids.
More than just an activity book, Explore Smithville is part keepsake, part guide, and a fun way to uplift—and support—the community that inspired it. A portion of every purchase benefits the Friends of the Library as well as local arts, education, and community programs.
Smitty: The Sweet Giant of Smithville
From a small dream to a Guinness World Record
Coming in 2026!
This rhyming picture book invites young readers to imagine big, dream boldly, and embrace the magic of community. Because when people dream and work together, extraordinary things can rise from even the smallest place.
Illustrated by Brandy Royster in her debut children’s book, featuring warm, character-driven art that captures the wonder and curiosity of childhood
Want to follow Smitty’s trail of crumbs?
Join us @EdgeInkIdeas for updates and sneak peeks.