A petite abecedarium of mindfulness delivered by cheerful, focused animals in rhymed couplets."A is for affirmation. / I'm great, and I shine. // B is for breath, / in and out, I feel fine." Concepts include such emotional states as gratitude and joy. The values of routine self-care, quiet self-monitoring, awareness of the present, and joining others in community are gently unfurled throughout. Each idea gets a short, pithy explanation befitting very young children. Occasionally, the text waxes a bit maudlin: "K is for kindness. / It makes the world go 'round." A page later, it's downright metaphysical-"L is for listen. / Even trees make a sound." The depicted animals correspond with their alphabet letter-F is for frog (and feelings), W is for wallaby (and worry). At always-challenging X, two foxes face each other. "X is for eXpress. / I have so much to tell!" Notwithstanding a couple stutters in scansion, the rhymes are child-centered and appealing. Against pastel backgrounds, animals have googly eyes, comma-shaped smiles, and plenty of positivity. A final page includes five good techniques for helping children calm themselves through relaxation, deep breathing, and creating a quiet place. (This book was reviewed digitally.)In the expanding field of children's mindfulness titles, this one rings true for the youngest. (Board book. 2-4)

Toddler-PreS A is for affirmation, B is for breath, and C is for calm in this soothing alphabet board book about mindfulness. Anthropomorphized animals are highlighted on each page with an accompanying letter and sparse text. " N is for Nature. I show the Earth that I care," shows a narwhal planting items in the sea. Children will enjoy this basic primer to mindfulness, while laughing about the unique illustrations. VERDICT A general purchase for most libraries.Brooke Newberry