G IS FOR GRATITUDE

Be thankful for everything in your universe.

Navigating life’s challenges is difficult. How to cope? Berger suggests children turn introspective and consider what they’re grateful for—alphabetically. (As she notes, this mindfulness exercise might even help kids achieve restful sleep.) Her ideas are simply formatted, though kids will find some alphabetical headings easier than others to comprehend. “D is for Dogs,” “L is for Laughter,” “M is for Music,” “N is for Nature,” and “Q is for Quiet" (the only text here: “thank you!”) are clear enough. Other headings and explanations may go over children’s heads, as they’re of a more philosophical bent, but they might well enrich readers’ vocabulary: “P is for Perspective,” “R is for Resilience,” “U is for Unconditional Love,” and “Z is the Zone of gratitude.” Especially welcome: “O is for Older people” (whose corollary is “Y is for Younger people”). This title will probably work best if shared only one or several pages at a time, so as to facilitate contemplative conversations. Grown-ups should encourage children to write or draw what they’re personally grateful for. The bright illustrations are a bit bland; wide-eyed characters are diverse in terms of skin tone and age. One child uses a wheelchair; another wears a hijab.

A solid offering about mindfulness, best if introduced by supportive adults.