'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Sunday, 19 February 2012

Review: Take the Time: Mindfulness for Kids

This is just the sweetest little book - and a priceless handbook for all young ones, most especially those children who are sensitive or emotionally tender.

Featuring an adorable little poppet, we follow her thoughts as she navigates the challenges of 'going within', of being mindful of her mood and her reactions to the world - and learning to honour her need for space and time.

She also learns how to wait, stop and think a minute before speaking, and that feeling sad is okay and that what is especially better than feeling sad is doing things that make her feel happy.

Designed to help children tap into the vast expanse that is their inner selves, the truly whimsical illustrations of this book take it beyond a moralistic or even psychoanalytical tale, and lift it into picture book bliss.

I love the look and feel of this book - it's gentle rhythm, succinct wordage, and clear but subtle messaging that will warm the heart of any reader, but most importantly, will really hit home and help create well-rounded, thoughtful and self-aware beings of our children. Always a good thing, non?

Published by the American Psychological Association, this book is available online from Footprint Books.

Title: Take the Time: Mindfulness for Kids
Author/Illustrator: Maud Roegiers
Publisher: Magination Press, $13.95 RRP
Publication Date: April 2010
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781433807947
For ages: 2 - 8
Type: Picture Book