It made her think that it was curious how much nicer a person looked when he smiled. She had not thought of it before

It made her think that it was curious how much nicer a person looked when he smiled. She had not thought of it before

Frances Hodgson Burnett, the beloved author of classic children's novels such as "The Secret Garden" and "A Little Princess," had a keen eye for human nature and the power of kindness. In her stories, she often explored the transformative effect that a simple act of kindness or a genuine smile can have on a person's demeanor and outlook on life.

"It made her think that it was curious how much nicer a person looked when he smiled. She had not thought of it before," is a sentiment that could easily have come from one of Burnett's own characters. In her novels, she frequently portrayed characters who were initially cold, aloof, or unhappy, but who were ultimately transformed by the kindness and warmth of others.

One of the most famous examples of this theme can be found in "The Secret Garden," where the sour and sullen Mary Lennox is gradually softened and opened up by the friendship of her cousin Colin and the simple joys of tending to a neglected garden. As Mary learns to smile and laugh, her whole demeanor changes, and she becomes a much more pleasant and likable person.

Similarly, in "A Little Princess," the protagonist Sara Crewe maintains her kindness and generosity even in the face of adversity, and her positive attitude and warm smile endear her to those around her. Despite her difficult circumstances, Sara's inner beauty shines through, making her a beloved figure in the hearts of readers.

Burnett's own life was marked by both personal tragedy and professional success, and it is perhaps this combination of darkness and light that gave her such a deep understanding of human nature. Through her stories, she reminds us of the power of a smile to brighten someone's day, to bridge the gap between strangers, and to bring out the best in ourselves and others.