The marvelous now

What do you do when "your brain is buzzy, and it's way too busy"? Call upon the "Marvelous Now," a small blue creature who is the personification of mindfulness and peace. "Now" helps you calm down by reminding you to count backward, go for a walk, draw, etc. The reassuring rhymes gives readers effective strategies for "keeping your cool!"; the digital art contrasts gray clouds of stress with soothing, colorful flower trails. (c) Copyright 2025. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

An ode to destressing--and living in the moment. Everyone gets exhausted and anxious--it's inevitable. We all have lots going on and loads to do; sometimes we feel rushed or overwhelmed. But don't fret, this calming book, expressed in jaunty verses, assures readers. We can soothe frazzled nerves by focusing on the present. How? By admitting the Marvelous Now into our lives. As a light-skinned, dark-haired child looks on, a wide-eyed, smiley blue sprite with twirly, ribbonlike appendages and plum-colored spots on its face and head appears. Under its tutelage, the once-harried kiddo begins unwinding, for "Now knows exactly what it will take / to give your brain and your body a break." DiTerlizzi lists some suggestions to help wind down, which every child (and even adult) should heed: finding one's "happy place," taking a walk, being aware of the sights, sounds, and smells all around, making art, counting backward, and more. Some ideas are a little easier than others to put into practice; readers will need guidance before trying out yoga or tai chi, for instance. Still, kids will be reassured to know that they can employ simple, practical tools whenever they need to feel less worried. Alvarez Gómez's cheerful, colorful digital illustrations burst with energy, setting an appropriately empowering tone. Background characters are diverse. Now's the time to pick up this primer on mindfulness.(Picture book. 5-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.