I really dislike the word, mindfulness. It has taken on a pretentious air of “being better than you.” A feeling of, “I practice mindfulness and you don’t.” However, I
went at Being a Dog: A Tail of Mindfulness with an open mind.
Okay, big groan to “tail” verses “tale” but I was able to forgive that with the “yellow snow comment.” (Oh, come on! Unless you are new to my reviews you know I have the humor of a ten-year-old!) The book seems terribly simple. The girl of the story acts like the dog. Or the narrator, more accurately tells you the reader to do the things a dog does to “relax” and to be “peaceful” with yourself. Therefore, sniff, explore, wiggle, wag and shake your whole body if needed. Go take naps in the sun or shade.
Maria Gianferrari does have an air of “mindfulness is better than no mindfulness” but is not preachy with the presentation. They are showing you how everyday things, simple things, things that really seem unimportant can help your child feel better. It is on the level of the child. Of course, this is not for everyone, but is one that has a more overall appeal than many mindfulness books.
Part of that is Pete Oswald and the illustrations they created. Cartoon imagery tones the seriousness of the subject down. The colors and details work to allow the reader to feel as if they are reading a story and not a “how to” book as the text is somewhat borderline to that concept, but at the same time is just telling you some fun playthings.
