THE GIFT OF THE BROKEN TEACUP

The virtuosic Wolf delivers 30 poems exploring self-actualization.

In three sections of roughly equal length, oft-rhyming verse scans impeccably, the better to convey messages of perseverance and self-acceptance. The first section, “Mindfulness,” ranges the widest, delving into concepts such as integrity and kindness. A young taekwondo student narrates “I’ll Be Back Tomorrow”: “My belt slips down around my knees. / I keep forgetting moves I know! / I’m sore and sort of ill at ease. / I’ll still be back tomorrow, though!” Several entries begin with a quote or definition. “Inconsequential” sensitively lists examples that belie its dictionary definition, encouraging readers to consider the world through others’ eyes. “A breeze inconsequential / keeps a bird aloft in flight. / A cry inconsequential / wakes a mother up at night.” The “Meditation” section introduces practical steps (“Close eyes. / Soft sighs. / Sit tall. / That’s all”) and offers poems about meditating while standing and walking. “The Om Poem” is a delightful introduction to the use of the word: “An om is a poem / without any words. / It acts as a voice / so the heart can be heard.” The “Me” section examines emotional intelligence and the importance of being present, with several entries lauding writing and journal-keeping as tools for self-discovery. Orlando’s pictures beautifully complement Wolf’s poems, with plenty of animals, playful perspectives, and thoughtfully diverse depictions of children.

A terrific exposition of mindfulness, perfectly distilled for curious kids.