Synopses & Reviews
This wonderful picture book for children and adults alike introduces the powerful practice of mindfulness in a fun and exciting way. With the delightful characters Monkey and his serene friend Happy Panda guiding readers to a calmer and more attentive mind, this whimsical yet universal and warm presentation will delight all readers.
As our story begins, Monkey is not so mindful — his Monkey Mind constantly jumping from one thing to another — but he encounters a mysterious and playful friend in Happy Panda. Panda helps Monkey recognize the simple joy of doing what you're doing while you're doing it.
Review
"Mindful Monkey, Happy Panda is designed to teach young readers the value of mindfulness. Although mindfulness is a practice especially advocated by Buddhism, Mindful Monkey, Happy Panda is intended for children of any religious faith or background, as it describes the idea in simple and secular terms. The bright, friendly illustrations bring this invaluable parable to vivid life. Highly recommended." Midwest Book Review
Review
"The category of mindfulness fiction has been wide open, and now with Mindful Monkey, Happy Panda, writer Lauren Alderfer and illustrator Kerry Lee MacLean (author of Peaceful Piggy Meditation) have made a serious entry into the field. It's not all that serious, though, since it is intended for children. While I'm certain children will love it, adults are going to enjoy it nearly as much. Shambhala Sun
Synopsis
This wonderful picture book for children and parents alike introduces the powerful practice of mindfulness in a fun and exciting way. With the delightful characters Mindful Monkey and his mindfulness teacher Happy Panda guiding readers to a calm and focused mind Mindful Monkey, Happy Panda will delight readers of all ages.
About the Author
As an educator for over 25 years, Lauren Alderfer has taught all levels — from graduate studies at SIT Graduate Institute in the USA, down to Grade One in US-based overseas schools. After living in India for over a decade, Lauren now divides her time between India and the Americas. Her ability to blend a Western perspective with the deep spirituality of the East invites educators to cultivate their inner lives in the daily act of teaching while developing mindfulness and compassion.
Kerry Lee MacLean has been meditating since she was 14. Together with her husband and three daughters, she leads children's meditative arts and Shambhala Rites of Passage programs around the world. Her workshops teach children to self-settle and self-soothe using The Great Mind-in-a-Jar Experiment, Zen archery, rainbow calligraphy, Haiku Hikes, yoga and sitting meditation. She is the author of Moody Cow Meditates, Peaceful Piggy Meditation and The Family Meditation Book.