Peaceful Me

In a mellow companion to Angry Me, Feder catalogs situations in which an experience of peace might arise as well as actions that can help one to feel peaceful. Digitally finished spreads with a printmaking feel by Jomepour Bell portray the book’s narrating child with brown skin: “I like feeling peaceful,” simple text begins. An accounting of calming experiences follows: “Sometimes” the narrator feels peaceful when with others, when alone, when things go well, or when outside. By a body of water, the child gazes at the sky (“ ‘Fluffy clouds,’ peaceful”), then bobs blissfully (“ ‘Floating,’ peaceful”). But “Sometimes I don’t feel peaceful.” Now, the text turns to ways that the mental and somatic state might be restored: breathing deep, imagining favorite things, finding a quiet place, getting a hug. At last, peace returns. Acknowledging that the sensation of grounded ease can be both easy and difficult to come by, this calming read gives readers words to talk about their experiences, and uses lulling lines to model settling one’s body and mind. Ages 3–6. (May)