If you want to know it, ask young Edgar Allan Know. There is nothing he cannot figure out or explain. He is an expert on virtually everything. From paleontology to the length of time it would take to bike to Australia, Edgar is the expert of all experts. His young mind is always thinking, processing, and questioning. Edgar is both learning and sharing knowledge every minute of his day–so much so that he has neglected to figure out how to properly navigate riding a bike on his own. With a little help from his mother, Edgar is able to conquer the one bit of knowledge that has eluded him.

Edgar Allan Know and His Big Busy Brain, written by Rahni Varieur-Davies and illustrated by Barbara Owczarek, is the story of a little boy with an exceptionally adept mind. Edgar Allan Know represents every awkward elementary student who manages to wow everyone with book knowledge and an innate understanding of the world around him, but lacks the ability to conquer simple fears. As I read this book, I could definitely picture it as a wonderful resource for school guidance counselors as they plan units to teach young students empathy.

While the focus of Edgar Allan Know and His Big Busy Brain is mindfulness, I can see the lovable and relatable main character as an excellent one for further books all with different lessons in tolerance, respect, responsibility, and integrity. Owczarek’s illustrations are stunning; Edgar Allan Know is a fantastic representation of a child mesmerized by the world around him and an appealing blend of the man himself. I enjoyed watching for all of the nods to Poe throughout the book.

I recommend this incredible author/ illustrator team to any teacher or parent looking for a book that addresses how to master mindfulness, overcome fears, and learn to help others fighting their own internal battles.

Pages: 39 | ASIN : B0BXQ2J52L