posted on 21 Oct 2021

My Mindful A to Zen by Krina Patel-Sage

 I already have twenty five very different illustrated alphabet books in my personal collection but none that use haikus with a theme of mindfulness – intriguing! Each one highlights one or more of what are described as “Five Ways to Wellbeing” which contribute to improved mental health and general optimism and positivity. These are to help children to connect; be active; take notice; keep learning and give. The cover shows a young child sitting in the familiar meditative position with the pale blue sky behind her, eyes closed. I immediately liked the feeling of spaciousness and calm.

Every subsequent page is more brightly coloured and detailed depicting a wide range of children contemplating life and looking very relaxed about it. The overall message is about being quietly confident but this includes exuberant painting, music making, role- playing as a pirate and playing together with friends in a busy playground. 

Every haiku is special but I particularly enjoyed the one that shows a group of assertive looking children holding banners about climate change:

‘J is for JOINING IN,

Working together,

Side by side, makes us stronger,

We shape tomorrow’.

I really liked the one with the boy concentrating hard as surrounded by mess and unsuccessful attempts he stirred some cake mixture:

‘M is for MISTAKES

Sometimes things go wrong;

Gather strength and keep learning.

It’s OK to fail’.

And of course, the fiercely engrossed expressions on the faces of children reading and evidently enjoying their books in a comfortable environment gives a very powerful message. I also noted the unusual depiction of a child volunteering her time to spend with an older person:

‘V Is for VOLUNTEERING,

Giving up your time

For those in need of a friend

Shows them that you care’.

It will be valuable as an unconventional alphabet book and I can see every page being used as a possible starting point for further interesting discussion, perhaps in a Key Stage One school assembly or over several weeks in a classroom. It also provides excellent examples of the way in which a simple haiku can encapsulate complex meanings. But I will be sharing with my grandchildren and look forward to seeing how they respond to the illustrations and the different messages in the text.

As ever, Lantana Publishing Ltd has produced a beautifully illustrated, well designed and inspirational picture book that reflects a thriving and hopeful multicultural world.  You should be able to find it in good independent bookshops, or order directly from their enticing website www.lantanapublishing.com

 

Karen Argent

October 2021