Just Feel

In a follow-up to Just Breathe, Chopra, a wellness expert and daughter of author Deepak Chopra, writes an intuitive guide for young readers in search of empowerment as well as greater self-knowledge and self-efficacy. The main idea—“If you know how you feel, you can make smart choices and act to create the life you want”—is organized into three sections of reflections and exercises: “Know” (one’s interior and exterior world), “Choose” (one’s outlook, goals, communication, etc.), and “Act” (the expression of the former two). Each exercise comes with a suggested time frame and location. Chopra calls upon the reader to be deliberate and mindful, addressing her young audience respectfully, without condescension. While this resource is aimed at preadolescents, its advice is timeless; caregivers will find much application for themselves. Attractive half-page spreads and spot illustrations break up the text, making for an easily digestible visual experience. Vaughan’s digital illustrations mostly depict flat yet appealing portraits of young people of various skin tones engaging in meditative activities, such as reading and making music. A useful self-care resource that offers various strategies and balms for coping with existential growing pains. Ages 8–12. [em](Oct.) [/em]