Spring 2025

King Calm

Mindful Gorilla in the City

  • Interest Level: Kindergarten - Grade 3
  • Reading Level: Grade 3

“This lively and edifying children’s book…makes a good case for mindfulness as a spiritual practice that brings alive our senses of tasting, seeing, feeling, smelling, and listening…Highly recommended!”—Spirituality & Practice

Have you ever sat in a movie theater with a bag of popcorn on your lap, and when you looked down, somehow the popcorn had disappeared? Or have you set a book down somewhere, and then had no idea where you put it?

It happens to all of us. We’re paying attention—we’re just not thinking about what it is we’re paying attention to!

Now, meet Marvin. He’s is a gorilla living in a great big city. He doesn’t approach life with a thump, thump, ROAR. Instead, Marvin mindfully experiences the world around him through all of his senses. He’s calm. He’s peaceful. He’s mindful.

And he’s about to teach his grandpa to be a king of calm, too!

Includes a Reader’s Note loaded with information about mindfulness and living mindfully. Also included are simple ways to increase awareness to become calmer, more focused, and more peaceful by engaging your senses just like Marvin and seeing, feeling, smelling, and listening to the great big world around you!

Format Your Price Add
978-1-4338-2272-8
$9.99
Available at all major wholesalers and distributors. Save 25% off list price on library bound hardcovers and all eBook and eBook with Audio editions when you buy direct! Digital purchases will be accessed on Lerner Digital Bookshelf. An account will be created for you after purchase.
Interest Level Kindergarten - Grade 3
Reading Level Grade 3
Genre Picture Books
Category SEL: A Self-Awareness, SEL: B Self-Management, Social Emotional Learning
Copyright 2016
Publisher Magination Press, American Psychological Association
Imprint Magination Press — American Psychological Association
Language English
Number of Pages 32
Publication Date 2025-01-01
Text Type Fiction
BISACS JUV015040, JUV009050, JUV002020
Dimensions 8 x 10
Features Note to adults and Original artwork

Author: Brenda S. Miles

Brenda S. Miles, PhD, is a clinical pediatric neuropsychologist who works with children, teens, and families. She blends brain science with creativity to build programs and resources that support learning and mental health. Dr. Miles lives near Toronto, Canada. You can follow her on Instagram.

Author: Susan D. Sweet, PhD

Susan D. Sweet, PhD, is a clinical child psychologist and mother of two. She has worked in hospital, school, and community-based settings and is passionate about children’s mental health and well-being. Susan hopes worries never overshadow anyone’s dreams.

Illustrator: Bryan Langdo