Peaceful Piggy Meditation

November 8, 2004
Hog heaven need not be unattainable for busy kids—er, piggies—who meditate daily, according to MacLean (The Family Meditation Book)
, a practiced children's meditation instructor. "Sometimes the world can be such a busy, noisy place," the book begins, then chronicles the frantic pace that can stress out children. She pictures piglets racing to school, playing video games and fighting over toys: "It can be hard not to lose your temper when you're angry and you can get really frustrated when things don't go your way." She then depicts the pigs meditating, as they sit with crossed legs on mats "like a king or queen on their throne, feeling the solid earth beneath them and the big sky all around them." MacLean lists ways in which meditation helps piggies be happier ("This makes it easier to accept things that happen and stop wishing for things to be different"). Her porcine characters repose idyllically in contemplative postures, characterized by expressive curves on their hooves and ears. An endnote offers tips and exercises for beginners and exhortations to spend time meditating as a family. Narrow in focus and lofty in aims, MacLean convincingly makes a case for the benefits of children taking time daily for their own emotional well-being. Ages 5-9.

November 1, 2004
PreS-Gr 3-The young pigs in this story balance a stressful, hectic life with regular meditation. Using straightforward-though somewhat saccharine-language and images, MacLean, a certified children's meditation instructor, describes this practice and explores its benefits, which include increased self-confidence and feelings of peace and well-being. The vibrant illustrations featuring the blissed-out pigs are childlike in their simplicity. At the end of the book, the author offers instructions on how to meditate and describes her experiences with using family meditation in her own life and in her practice. There are few titles for young children that explain and teach meditation techniques. As such, this offering will find a place in many libraries.-Marge Loch-Wouters, Menasha's Public Library, WI

Copyright 2004 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 15, 2004
PreS-Gr. 2. Maclean, a meditation therapist, presents her case for deep relaxation in terms pitched straight at kids: "Sometimes the world can be such a busy, noisy place"; that's why "it's good to meditate." There's nary a lotus-blossom or a Bodhisattva to be found in the bright paintings of disarming piggies who tease their siblings, get mad, play video games ("You feel like you can't slow down. Even when you're sitting down!"), but also "know when to take a break, find a quiet spot and just breathe, breathe, breathe." For all that, Maclean advocates an essentially abstract spiritual practice: the instruction is as nondogmatic as it is concrete. She suggests that kids "have Mom or Dad help them set up a special place" for meditating, and concludes with an activity that invites kids to visualize the quieting of their minds as the settling of particles in a muddied jar of water. Even families that normally regard meditation as so much New Age folderol may find this chipper offering both endearing and persuasive.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2004, American Library Association.)