Happy: A Beginner's Book of Mindfulness

PreS-Gr 2--Asked what makes them happy, most children will likely name familiar people and things around them: their parents, their dogs, and even ice cream and mud puddles. The book asks readers this very question as it takes them through aspects of mindfulness. Some of these concepts will be more familiar to children than others. For example, listening. Kids know that listening is important, but they don't really know why. This title is recommended for young children, though the ideas here seem more suitable for older children. As a lap book or a class read aloud, it is too much at one time. It could be useful for teachers who can use aspects of mindfulness on their own from time to time. Learning about listening, for example, would be useful to help children on a nature walk experience their surroundings more fully. Detailed, atmospheric illustrations show children in different environments. VERDICT Beautifully written and illustrated but not suitable for very young children.--Joan Kindig, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA