Puppy Mind - by Andrew Jordan Nance (Hardcover)

About the Book

"In this picture book for children and adults, illustrated by Jim Durk, who is adored by thousands of children for his many Clifford the Big Red Dog and Thomas the Steam Engine books, a young boy discovers his mind is like a puppy, always wandering away, into the past or the future. He sets about learning to train his puppy mind to heel to the present moment. Through remembering to breathe, the boy becomes a stronger and more caring master of his puppy mind, keeping it in the present, if only for a moment. Includes a link to a discussion guide for parents and teachers"--

Book Synopsis

In this charming, simple story, an irresistible puppy teaches a little boy how to calm himself through breathing when he feels anxious, distracted, or upset

Parents will love this picture book that helps children see that strong emotions are normal, and they can learn to calm their minds and bodies

A young boy discovers his mind is like a puppy, always wandering away, into the past or the future, and he is just not sure what to do.

After noticing when and why his puppy mind wanders away, he sets about learning to train his puppy mind to heel to the present moment. Through remembering to breathe, the boy becomes a stronger and more caring master of his puppy mind, keeping it in the present, if only for a moment.

With helpful parent/teacher questions at the back of the book, adults can skillfully guide children in noticing when and where their own puppy minds like to wander.

Review Quotes

"What a lovely way for children to learn the heeling/healing potential of paying careful attention." --Sylvia Boorstein, cofounding teacher, Spirit Rock Meditation Center, and coauthor of Solid Ground: Buddhist Wisdom in Difficult Times

About the Author

Andrew Jordan Nance has been an educator for 30 years. He is the founder of Mindful Arts San Francisco, whose mission is to provide volunteer educators to teach at underserved San Francisco Schools. Nance is also an award-winning actor and director who taught performing arts to students from diverse backgrounds as the Conservatory Director at San Francisco's New Conservatory Theatre Center for 18 years. He is on the board of several educational nonprofit organizations including the Mindful Life Project in Richmond, California and Arts Ed Matters, a California-based arts-integration organization. Andrew Jordan Nance lives in San Francisco.

Illustrator Jim Durk has over 30 years of experience working on children's books. He's drawn iconic characters including Clifford the Big Red Dog, Thomas the Tank Engine, The Rugrats, The Wild Thornberrys, and many more. He received a BFA from Ohio University in 1983 and currently lives in Bay Village, Ohio.