Day the Lilacs Disappeared: A Children's Story About the Magic of Smell

For Kushboo, the world is full of scents: warm spices in the kitchen, fresh flowers in the garden, and the comforting smells that make memories feel alive. But one spring day, something changes. The lilacs are blooming but Kushboo can no longer smell them.

With curiosity, courage, and the help of her family, Kushboo begins to discover just how important the sense of smell is for joy, safety, memory, food, and feeling connected to the world around us.

The Day the Lilacs Disappeared is a gentle, beautifully illustrated children's story that introduces young readers to the often-overlooked sense of smell and helps children and caregivers talk about smell loss with empathy, wonder, and hope.

Written by Dr. Smriti Nayan, otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon, researcher, and mother, and featuring a foreword by Dr. Martin Desrosiers, world-renowned rhinologist, researcher, professor, and father, this book is grounded in real science and told with warmth and heart.

Perfect for children ages 5-8, families, classrooms, libraries, and healthcare settings.

Praised by clinicians, educators, parents, and young readers.