I like cute stories but I do not always want cute stories. Yet, when I am in the mood, well, I’m in the mood! And if you’re in the mood for cute stories try one of these:
Malina’s Jam: Walt Disney Animation Studios Artist Showcase by Svetla Radivoeva is a cute story, but one we have seen before. However, the illustrations are delightful and worth the read. I can see a series of books about Malina and friends. Malina is a sweet, shy hedgehog who loves gardening and making jam. She takes care of her garden with great care and her neighbors are friendly. One day, after a great berry harvest and jam making, Malina shares a jar of jam with a neighbor. After all, what is one jar? But after several, “just one jars,” she does not have any jars of jam for herself. Yet, her kindness is repaid. As this is part of the Walt Disney artist series, Radivoeva creates some adorably detailed illustrations. They are brightly and boldly colored, the details are exactly what is needed to move the story along and everything is perfect. And now I can move onto the next book.
And if you are looking for cute and are into yoga and wish to introduce it to your child, try Mindfulness at the Park which is part of a series of books that started with Yoga at the Zoo. Both are by Teresa Anne Power. In this second book, staring Little Mouse and friends, we continue with the idea of mixing yoga and mindfulness to help children (along with Little Mouse and the other characters) deal with situations that might be difficult for them. Emma Allen illustrations are cute. They are minimal details and colors but fit the calming effect that is wanted. Again, perhaps a bit too sentimental for my tastes, but I do like the fact that “breathing” is used as well as “mindfulness” and “meditation.” I always say, “I can breathe, but meditation is hard.” Even though it really is the same thing. It is just the words and their connotations.
Both books are aimed at all ages. The older reader could read Mindfulness at the Park solo, but might need help with Malina’s Jam. (The rating of 3 is actually 3.5 as it is an average of the two books). 