Baby Present

May 16, 2016
Calming, lightly playful text combines with photographs of babies representing a variety of racial backgrounds as Neumann and McConnell craft a Buddhist-inspired introduction to mindfulness. “The future is tricky and a long way off,” writes Neumann as a boy in a tank top stares into the distance. “Right now is just right.” Whether babies take Neumann’s advice to sit “in the here and now” or “feel your belly rise and fall,” phrases like “You are perfect just as you are” will resonate, and McConnell’s intimate portraits should keep their attention in the “Present moment. Wonderful moment.” Up to age 3.

July 1, 2016
Babies are introduced to the Zen philosophy of living in the moment."Breathe in, baby. / Breathe out. // You are perfect just as you are. // Sitting in the here and now." Thus begins this board book dedicated to teaching little readers and the adults who love them to enjoy this moment (and every small moment) of their lives. Each page features a photograph of a different adorable tot, and the models are as diverse as the melting pot they live in. The models' backdrops and accompanying text are colored with warm oranges, blues, and yellows, making for a calming book that works best as a pre-nap read. (White print on yellow background on one spread may pose difficulties for some readers.) The book features rounded corners and is printed on nontoxic cardboard with soy inks. The New Age nature of the book may provoke a few chuckles from caregivers, but the core message of self-acceptance and love is certainly worth instilling in young readers.A soft-spoken and lovingly photographed book that has a sweet touch where it counts. (Board book. 6 mos.-2)

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