Gianferrari, Maria. Being a Dog: A Tail of Mindfulness. Illustrated by Pete Oswald. Harper, 2022. 978-0-063-06791-2. 32 p. $18.99. Grades K-3.  

Dogs live in the moment, and this book draws readers in, encouraging them to share this same idea of living in and focusing on the present. Readers follow a young boy and his brown dog through the day as they focus on just ‘being.’ They rise in the morning, stretching to greet the day. They wag their bodies in outward shows of affection towards everyone they love. They play, nap, explore, then finally drop off to sleep. Along the way, the boy and the dog engage each of their senses, paying attention to the sights, smells, sounds, and tastes in the wide world around them. Cut paper and watercolor illustrations by Pete Oswald bring this story to life, capturing the pure joy the characters feel by living in the present and enjoying each new experience together. The final five pages of the book focus on mindfulness and how to really pay attention to the world around you using each of your senses. There are suggestions for what you can try to smell, hear, see, feel, and taste during each of the four seasons. The last page also discusses mindful breathing exercises you can try if you’re feeling sad or scared. 

THOUGHTS: This title will be a fun addition to social-emotional learning lessons, and it will also work well as a story to share during Morning Meetings. Share this one with your guidance counselor too. 

Picture Book          Anne Bozievich, Southern York County SD