BE HAPPY

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.