THE MARVELOUS NOW

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.