Laban is one stressed-out cat. Everything about the world makes him nervous. There is not a corner he can turn, or a room he can explore that doesn’t reveal a monster, a horror, or some terrifying threat. To say Laban is anxious is an understatement. Being a cat, he lets his curiosity get the best of him, and he ventures out anyway. When Laban realizes he is being followed by a menacing beast, he has nowhere to turn. Cornered, he decides to take some deep breaths. It is only then that Laban realizes that he had the power to calm himself down all along.

Laban Learns Mindful Breathing, written by Sara Taher and illustrated by Vanessa Moreno, is an adorable children’s book that teaches young readers the most effective way to calm their nerves and ward off building anxiety. As Laban the cat moves through normal day-to-day activities, he battles many situations that bring about undue stress. Taher uses her main character to teach young readers that stress is normal but is also manageable. The breathing techniques Laban uses are simple and easy for younger children to remember and use themselves.

As a teacher, I found this quick read to be a true asset for an elementary classroom. The precious illustrations and the ever-changing expressions on Laban’s little face will appeal to both adults and children. I can see this book as a game-changer for the first day of school, especially in Pre-K through 2nd-grade classrooms.

Parents, teachers, guidance counselors, and school librarians will find Taher’s work a wonderful addition to their book collections. The earlier we can help children cope with anxiety, the better off they will be as they move through school. Taher has handed us all a fantastic tool for doing just that.

Pages: 33 | ASIN: B0C7RQFWSG