Here I can be mindful

"Some days the world is a warm gold sun," writes Condie (the Matched series) in her meditative picture book debut. But "some days, some hours, some minutes/ are hard." In blue, green, and peach tones and softly textured, rounded shapes, Kim (Mommy's Hometown) shows the book's young protagonist, portrayed with tan skin and brown hair, in various emotional states: "Today I am here./ Feeling sad./ Feeling worried./ Feeling frustrated./ Feeling lonely." The following pages model ways to self-regulate, showing the child doing sensory exercises ("Look./ Close./ So close"), engaging in movement ("Jump./ And jump and/ jump and jump"), and finding or forging connection ("Tell./ Someone how I am feeling," and leaving Mom a snack plate). Throughout, the child exudes intentionality about their needs, even when those needs might seem conflicting: "I need you not to touch me," they say to a caring adult; "I need you to hold me very tight." Soon, the feeling of being unmoored dissipates, and with gratitude and joy the child knows they are "here." Inviting readers to ground themselves, catalog-like text that works as a beginner's mindfulness manual offers reassurance that the tools for self-soothing and self-awareness are always close at hand. Ages 4--8. Author's agent: Jodi Reamer, Writers House. Illustrator's agent: Claire Easton, Painted Words. (May)

A child is present in the moment, ready to experience the now. "Some days the world is a warm gold sun. Some days it is a green grass wave. Some days it is a bright blue ball. Some days it is a cool gray stone." Some days are good; others are hard. But our young narrator knows that if they are sad, anxious, alone, or frustrated, there are ways they can center themself. Looking, hearing, tasting, smelling, and feeling are ways to remain present and here. Other options include being active, drawing, writing, voicing their feelings, doing something to help another, and remembering they are loved. Condie's simple, encouraging text is supported by Kim's bright digital illustrations that have a watercolor look. Soft, rounded images depict a tan-skinned, short-haired, barefoot child marching through the world, meeting it head-on, and experiencing their here and now. The little one cuts an endearing figure as they stride purposefully against a verdant landscape, bite into a crunchy apple, embrace a parent, and gaze up at the clouds. Pairing this with Tomie dePaola's Look and Be Grateful (2015) would make for an affirming storytime. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A gentle child's-eye view of mindfulness. (Picture book. 2-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.