FOLLOW YOUR BREATH!

Five friends from Ritchie’s informational series Exploring Our Community learn about mindfulness.

Pedro is nervous about moving. His mom, a martial arts instructor, teaches him and his friends about mindfulness to try to relieve his anxiety. She talks them through various tips and tricks. First they learn how to stretch and focus on their bodies. (A sidebar gives readers a stretch to try on their own.) Then they take a mindful walk through a park and into a garden, noticing the sights and smells. A sudden rainstorm brings up a discussion about emotions. “Like the weather, feelings change and are often beyond our control.” The pals head back to Pedro’s house for a sleepover, where they learn how to do a body scan before bed. Bold headings announce each topic (“Be Wise—Visualize!”) while the main narrative follows the friends. A subnarrative in smaller font gives more in-depth facts. Ritchie’s inked, comics-inspired illustrations are bright enough to appeal but also subdued enough to complement the calming subject matter. Examples of mindful games are appended along with a glossary. Pedro and his friend group make up a diverse, mixed bunch. (This book was reviewed digitally with 10.3-by-17.8-inch double-page spreads viewed at 35.2% of actual size.)

A reminder to pause, breathe, and notice the moment.