Take the Time: Mindfulness for Kids
Although the subtitle might not mean much to children, they will instinctively understand the message this short but effective book conveys. Translated from the French, it suggests to kids that they take a moment to think through the effects of their words and actions. But this is also for children who might have problems with concentration. The narrator ruminates, “When everything is topsy-turvy / with my head spinning / and my feet up in the air / I slow down and take the time / to be with my friends.” Or stick to things she knows, or close her eyes when she’s hugged. The simply stroked artwork is highlighted with whimsical touches, including graph paper for the girl’s face and subtly patterned designs placed between thick black lines, and in one case, a flurry of letters set against the text “before I blurt something out.” A gentle reminder to slow down that captures a child’s fears of being out of control and gives them appropriate ways to calm themselves. Grades 1-3. --Ilene Cooper--This text refers to theHardcoveredition.