MY MINDFUL WALK WITH GRANDMA

A young girl is so excited to share a surprise with her grandmother that she begins their hike together in a distracted rush.

Spending time with Grandma is clearly a joy for the young child. The girl enthusiastically hurries along through the woods, hoping to catch a glimpse of the loons on the lake, but Grandma takes the time to notice the sights and sounds of the forest. She gently reminds her granddaughter that “if we keep looking for there, we will miss what is right here.” The child accepts this invitation to pause. She closes her eyes, stills her body, connects with her breath, and then is able to notice the tiny treasures the forest has to share, like the rustle of leaves and the colorful pop of spring flowers. The quality of this title’s narrative sets it apart in the growing mindfulness-for-children genre. The depiction of a special intergenerational relationship is the clear priority of the story. Rather than using the narrative to instruct readers in mindfulness (this is saved for the backmatter), mindfulness practice is authentically embedded into the interaction between the two characters. The illustrations, awash in green and somewhat nostalgic in styling, complement the narrative and successfully transport readers to a lush forest brimming with life. Both narrator and Grandma present white.

Clearly demonstrates the sense of connectedness—to nature, others, and self—that mindfulness practice can bring.