Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 05/01/2022 PreS-Gr 1—"Can you be like a dog?" With this question, this charming title invites readers to practice a number of mindful behaviors, such as "BE-ing" in the moment, by following a dog's daily activities with its young owner through the changing seasons. As the playful pup greets its friend in the morning, it models engaging with one's body by stretching, eating, and drinking. The duo play on the playground, splash in puddles, roll in the snow, all while demonstrating connecting to the environment and the five senses. However, while "feel what you're feeling" is valid and important advice, children might need a slight amendment to "bark if you're worried," "growl if you're angry," or "yowl if you're sad," lest they take these directives even a bit too literally. Oswald's funny and appealing mixed media illustrations perfectly capture cute canine antics. Appended at the end under the heading "Take a Mindful Nature Walk with a Friend'' is a quasi-chart of specific suggestions for each of the senses through spring, summer, fall, and winter. The very last page features a guide to "Mindful Breathing Exercise" that acknowledges having negative emotions and suggests using deep breathing as a coping method. VERDICT Mindfulness is not an easy concept to practice or teach at any age, but this book is a wonderfully accessible introduction to a challenging skill.—Yelena Voysey - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 06/01/2022 Introducing mindfulness to youngsters, the author asks: “Can you be like a dog?” Canines, she explains, live in the moment: “Not before or after. Just now.” Being inquisitive, playing every day no matter the weather, wagging your whole body when you’re happy, and recognizing when you’re feeling sad or worried should be essential aspects of everyday living. Children are encouraged to feel their emotions, acknowledging and expressing them instead of holding them in. Delightful digital illustrations using cutout paper and scanned watercolor textures deftly reveal the emotions named in the text. Oswald’s charming and humorous vignettes portray each activity the dog and his human friend share while making the most of every season. The tale ends with a suggestion to “Take a Mindful Nature Walk with a Friend” and use the five senses to heighten the enjoyment. Also included is a “Mindful Breathing Exercise” that encourages children to diminish unhappy feelings with the breathing technique. This entertaining book will enable children to better understand and control their emotions. - Copyright 2022 Booklist.