Peaceful Mind

“A big, grey elephant in the forest with rough, wrinkly skin” anchors this simple board book meditation from the Dalai Lama. Opening lines direct readers to position themselves for initial breathwork (“Keep your eyes slightly open. Breathe in”). As interspersed phrases remind readers to persist with mindful breathing, the author next moves slowly through a visualization of the pachyderm. Further prompts paint a detailed picture of the creature (“Hear its big, flapping ears”), building toward a centering calm that text reassures can be returned to: “You can always come back to the elephant when you next feel nervous or anxious.” With thick smudges of harmonious coloring, Lee’s unlined naif renderings depict children of various skin tones beatifically meditating or walking alongside the starring animal. It’s a brief introductory practice that offers a kid-friendly taste of meditation’s comforting effects. An author’s note concludes. Ages 2–5. (Mar.)