(3) K-3 Illustrated by Sally Rippin. Stewart describes nine mindfulness meditations to help children deal with emotions and stress, increase focus, make decisions, and more. Astute yet kid-friendly language lends approachability to the concepts ("You'll learn to watch your feelings pop up and disappear like soap bubbles"), while soft cartoon illustrations starring a chilled-out elephant and monkey underscore the friendly vibe. Six FAQ are addressed at book's end.

Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Sally Rippin. The ancient Jade Emperor tells thirteen animals that they will race; the "first twelve animals to cross the river" will have a year named after them. The animals line up and, each in its own unique fashion, cross the river. The Chinese-ink, linocut, and digital-media illustrations are exuberant and fluid, evoking mood and furthering the whimsical tone of this retelling.

Reviewer: Sian Gaetano