A Sloth's Guide to Mindfulness, by Ton Mak

Who doesn't love sloths? I mean, really... They're fluffy, they always look as if they're smiling, and their lifestyle is so laid-back and relaxed they're pretty much the Animal Kingdom's resident experts on Mildfulness.

Ok...that last but hasn't been scientifically proven, but it sounds good.

But it's true according to Ton Mak's simplistically deep A Sloth's Guide to Mindfulness. In this book, an adorable sloth guides you through all the ways to bring the concept of mindfulness into your life, from visualization techniques to simply observing the world around you and being present in the present moment. And honestly, in this crazy, fast-paced world of social media floods, constant news drama, and go-go-go of daily life, who couldn't use a little dose of Mindfulness?

Especially when it's delivered by such a cute teacher.

A Sloth's Guide to Mindfulness seems to be a short book, and it would be easy to breeze through it and move on to the next thing on your to-do list. But the best way to read this book is take it slow. DON'T breeze through it. Take time to read each page and consider the lessons offered there. 

And when the world around you gets too crazy, take a step back and just BE in the moment. It's what the Sloth would do.

--AJB

How To Draw Cute Food, by Angela Nguyen

It's scientifically proven that creative activities (like drawing, painting, coloring, etc.) are just as therapeutic as logging into TikTok or YouTube and watching cute animal videos (which is therapeutic too!). 

Angela Nguyen combines these two elements with her "Draw Cute..." series, the latest of which is How To Draw Cute Food.

You may ask me, Ms. Alissa...how can food be cute? Like, don't you just eat it? I mean, sure, sometimes you'll notice that your burger is just as delicious-looking in real life as it looked in the menu photo. Or maybe your cookie is unusually symmetrical with just the right placement/ratio of chocolate chips to walnuts. And don't get started on the unrealistic expectations set by Pinterest. Yummy-looking, yes. Pretty, yes. But CUTE? I don't think so.

I'm here to tell you that this book will change your mind.

As in her other books (How To Draw Cute Stuff, How To Draw Cute Animals), Nguyen applies the style of Kawaii, which is the Japanese culture of Cute, to food. Yes, FOOD! You'll learn how to draw (literal) pigs in blankets, marshmallow kittens, leaf-wrapped pandas, turtle rolls, and more. This food is so cute, you'll want to cuddle it rather than eat it.

So enjoy some Cute Art Therapy with How To Draw Cute Food. And, if your appetite for adorable isn't satisfied, if you're still craving more Kawaii, check out her other books too. You'll be glad you did!

--AJB

Coloring Pages

Did you know that coloring is an exceptionally relaxing activity? It's true! So if you happen to be passing through the Teen Department, be sure to grab a coloring sheet or two to take home. You'll find them on the table by the computers. We'll be putting out new ones every so often, so if you have a request, be sure to let us know. We'll try to make it happen in the near future!

Read This for Inspiration, by Ashly Perez

It's been a challenging week. The sort where you're ready for a weekend...and it's only Tuesday (you know the kind). This is when I find myself scrolling social media for inspirational memes featuring cute animals, colorful flowers, motivational quotes, or all of the above. 

This is why I was so happy to discover Ashly Perez's wonderful new book, Read This for Inspiration. This book is like all the best inspirational memes all packaged together in one book. There are bright colors, positive affirmations, and empowering stories (My favorite was the one about kintsugi, the Japanese art of mending shattered pottery by filling the cracks with gold. The moral being sometimes things have to break in order to become even more beautiful). This book is so filled with positivity! If any book could hug, it would be this book. Definitely a case of coming across the perfect book exactly when I needed it most. I just love when that happens...don't you. The only drawback is it isn't longer.

Are YOU having a rough week too? Or just need a pretty book to browse? Read This For Inspiration is for you. You can currently find it on the New Book shelf. And if it's not there, ask your friendly librarian to place a hold for you (they'll gladly oblige).

--AJB

The Unicorn Guide To Life

Unicorns are amazing creatures: They're happy, confident, magical, always know who they are, what they want, and how to make it happen...and then there's that whole rumor about farting rainbows. Who doesn't want to be a Unicorn (minus the rainbows bit, because that could get annoying)? I ask you...

Well, now you finally can! In a figurative sense, at least. Author and certified Unicorn expert Eunice Horn has spent a lifetime studying these incredible creatures and has discovered that elusive element that makes a unicorn a Unicorn (and it has nothing to do with a magical horn). In The Unicorn's Guide to Life: Magical Methods for Looking and Feeling Great!, Horne details little and big ways you (yes, YOU!) can bring a bit of Unicorn magic into your world and, thus, transform your entire life for the better. Inside this colorful book are tips on everything from changing your wardrobe to changing your attitude. And more! And mixed in with the advice are positive quotes and little affirmations. 

And what better time than 2021 to become that Unicorn you've always dreamed of becoming! Or at least the best version of yourself you can possibly be.

p.s. Want even MORE Unicorn Magic? Check out Unicorn Your Life by Mary Flannery. This is a most Magical companion read with even MORE Magical tips and tricks to make your life sparkle!

--AJB

Barely Functional Adult, by Meichi Ng

As we leave behind the outhouse fire that was 2020 and step into the new year with uncertain optimism, I want to take this month to shine the spotlight on books about good advice, self-improvement, and ones that, generally, show you how to live your most awesome life...or at least take a step closer to doing so. Not really self-help books in the traditional sense (I hate that term anyway), but fun ones that guide you (or sometimes sympathize with you) in ways that are so entertaining and so fun you forget you may actually be reading something on self-improvement.

I'll begin with Barely Functional Adult, by webcomic author Meichi Ng. Reminiscent of Sarah Scribbles and Allie Brosh, Ng's style combines quirky, simple illustrations with hilarious stories about learning how to Adult...which is a lot more difficult than more experienced adults make it look (Trust me when I say I've been an "adult" for more than two decades and I'm still trying to figure things out). College, first jobs, first serious loves and first serious breakups, therapy, friendship, and just navigating this weird world now that you're not a kid anymore. Still don't know your purpose in life? Great!! This book is for you! And everyone else who has no idea what the heck they're doing. Read this and know you're not alone. And for those who have it all figured out (or think you do), read it and reminisce about those awkward, Not-So-Glorious Days of trying to achieve that mythical Adult status.  Either way, there's something in here for everyone.

Absolutely recommended!

--AJB

How To Disappear, by Sharon Huss Roat

 

Vicky's having a bad year: Her one and only friend in the world just moved away and her excruciating shyness is keeping her from even saying "hello" to the girl who has the locker next to her. It doesn't help her super social mom is pressuring her to get out there and make friends. But the tipping point comes when she accidently overhears someone she thought she trusted gossiping about her. So Vicky does what any socially awkward teen would do: She uses her superior photoshopping skills and a bag of discount Halloween costume props to create a fake online secret identity where she can be anything, anyone. She can be who she's afraid to be in real life.

Vicky's Instagram persona, Vicurious, is an overnight sensation and soon she has all sorts of followers. But she's never felt more alone. Can Vicky find the courage to stop hiding and be herslf?

How To Disappear by Sharon Huss Roat was a quick and entertaining read that broke me out of my reading slump. It's predictable to a fault. And there are some truly over-the-top moments that'll have you saying, "Really?!?!?". But sometimes you need a book that's not going to require too much mental effort from you, and this is it.

Recommended.

- AJB