Mindful Tots: Loving Kindness, Happy Feeling for Little Ones by Whitney Stewart, illustrated by Rocio Alejandro. Barefoot Books, 9781782857495, 2019
Format: Board book
Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 5
Genre: Picture
What did you like about the book? This simple little book is a wonderful way to help young children learn to be calm and content with themselves. Each page is filled with ways children can find happiness in themselves and also share this happiness with others around them. Suggestions such as thinking of a special friend, knowing who helps you to feel calm, who shows you love, and who helps you to be kind are all ideas for creating a mindful and happy toddler.
The bright illustrations provided by Rocio Alejandro are a wonderful accompaniment to the book, especially that children of diverse ethnicities can be seen. The illustrations feature children playing with blocks, napping, taking a bath, tucking into bed, and blowing bubbles — all common activities that are a part of their day.
Anything you didn’t like about it? Nothing.
To whom would you recommend this book? This board book is for very young children so I would say birth up to three years old.
Who should buy this book? Public libraries, daycares, preschools, anyone that works with children under the age of three.
Where would you shelve it? Board book.
Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? Yes, I think the concept of understanding and creating happy feelings would be something of interest to parents of very young children.
Reviewer Kristin Guay, former youth librarian
Date of review: June 19, 2019
Youth Services Book Review 
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