Andrew Jordan Nance

The story of The Barefoot King cleverly fleshes out the Buddhist saying: “It is easier to put on a pair of shoes than to wrap the earth in leather.” It’s fun to read aloud to children because of the rhyming couplets. The meaning behind the story is helpful to introduce when there are issues arising with a child feeling subject to changing external circumstances when actually all they need to do is change their attitude. Olivia Holden’s simple paintings and muted color palette are pleasing to the eye. As an add on we reinforced the learning of the padyam mudra (foot washing water). It’s a quick and fun read good for any SEL library for ages 4-8.… (más)

Kids have minds that wander. If you talk to teachers, they can tell you about the kids who can not sit still or pay attention. This books equates a kid’s wandering mind to the actions of a puppy. It talks about taking control of your mind when it starts to wander by deep breathing, counting to three etc. I think this could be a good tool for parents to use with kids struggling with ADD and inattention. I am not sure whether children will really "get" the idea behind this short story. The illustrations in this book are cute and children will want to look at them again and again, seeing what the playful puppy is doing.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.… (más)

Sometimes our minds are like untrained puppies, who likes to explore, and if you are not careful, she will go through any open door she finds. Sometimes our minds like to wander to the past or the future, making hard to pay attention when we are being talked. And sometimes we get mad at our puppy minds, but it is better to be kind, take a few deep breaths, and try to focus again.

Many kids get really upset when they are not able to focus, and get distracted easily. This cute story is a good way to help them put the situation in words, and give some simple advice to start training a puppy mind.The illustrations are colorful and funny. I'm glad some topics related to mental health of little kids are starting to be addressed in picture books.

I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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