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. (Sept.)
