Be happy A little book of mindfulness

Maddy Bard

Book - 2023

In this guide for helping young children boost their self-confidence, canine best friends Hucky and Buzz share some tips on staying present and positive as they share thoughts, emotions, and feelings with each other.

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Bookmobile Children's Show me where

jE/Bard
1 / 1 copies available

Children's Room Show me where

jE/Bard
1 / 2 copies available
Location Call Number   Status
Bookmobile Children's jE/Bard Checked In
Children's Room jE/Bard Checked In
Children's Room jE/Bard Due Apr 15, 2024
Subjects
Genres
Picture books
Published
Somerville, Massachusetts : Templar Books, an imprint of Candlewick Press [2023]
Language
English
Main Author
Maddy Bard (author)
Other Authors
Emma Dodd, 1969- (illustrator)
Edition
First US edition
Item Description
"First published by Templar Books, an imprint of Bonnier Books UK, 2023."
Physical Description
1 volume (unpaged) : color illustrations ; 21 cm
ISBN
9781536229769
Contents unavailable.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review

Two frolicsome and companionable dogs promote ways to "Be Happy" in this upbeat picture book, which offers a simple set of imperatives that link mindfulness to contentment. "Be Thankful," proposes bold text as the canines sniff dandelions and "appreciate the little things." "Believe in Yourself," encourages another page as the poodle and dachshund run across a bridge. While Bard acknowledges a range of emotions ("Sometimes it's OK to not feel OK"), some suggestions feel more moralistic than mindful ("Keep Busy/ Hucky and Buzz are happiest when they have plans for the day"). Outlined with loosely drawn black lines, Dodd's pups stand out against basic digital backdrops. Questions throughout encourage readers to reflect interactively on ways they can join Hucky and Buzz in their dogged pursuit of joy--a task that this book renders as seemingly easy. Ages 2--5. (Mar.)

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Review by Kirkus Book Review

Two adorable pups have much to teach, if we listen. Fluffy, white Hucky and squat little nugget Buzz are best friends who spend their days filled with contemplative, deliberate actions in order to be more present. Fourteen bolded suggestions throughout the book ("Be Thankful," "Show Love," "Talk to Someone") gently walk readers through the basics of mindfulness. On a page labeled "Be Happy," for instance, we're told that the canines "love to run in the park and feel the grass under their paws." On another spread, readers learn that Hucky and Buzz also like to breathe deeply. We see each doggo lying on the grass with a paw on their stomach, feeling the slow rise and fall of their breath. The canines encourage readers to notice what is happening around them and listen to their emotions. They also cheer readers on; a double-page spread shows the two friends intrepidly crossing a rope bridge ("With self-confidence, you can do amazing things!"). Questions posed to readers offer an extra layer of engagement ("What do you like to do?" "What are you thankful for?" "What are some of the ways you keep busy?"). Dodd's signature illustrations, outlined in thick black lines, are set against simple, uncluttered backdrops and bring the pups to vivid, endearing life. (This book was reviewed digitally.) An appealing primer on mindfulness for the youngest set. (Picture book. 3-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.