Peaceful Piggy Meditation 3 Book Series
Editorial Reviews for Book 1 of the Peaceful Piggy Series
Peaceful Piggy Meditation
“There’s nary a lotus-blossom or a Bodhisattva to be found in the bright paintings of disarming piggies who tease their siblings, get mad, play video games, but also ‘know when to take a break, find a quiet spot and just breathe, breathe, breathe.’ Even families that normally regard meditation as so much New Age folderol may find this chipper offering both endearing and persuasive.”―Booklist
“MacLean lists ways in which meditation helps piggies be happier. Her porcine characters repose idyllically in contemplative postures, characterized by expressive curves on their hooves and ears. An endnote offers tips and exercises for beginners and exhortations to spend time meditating as a family. Narrow in focus and lofty in aims, MacLean convincingly makes a case for the benefits of children taking time daily for their own emotional well-being.”―Publishers Weekly
“Using straightforward―though somewhat saccharine―language and images, MacLean, a certified children’s meditation instructor, describes this practice and explores its benefits, which include increased self-confidence and feelings of peace and well-being. The vibrant illustrations featuring the blissed-out pigs are chidllike in their simplicity.”―School Library Journal
Verified Amazon Reviews:
There’s a mediation guide toward the end 😊 Namaste!
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing book, even for adults. Helps little ones to easily grasp the reality of impermanence. I showed it to my sister, (who has 3 daughters) and she’s been meditating for a little over a month because of that one moment. I’d buy millions of copies, and hand them out to elementary schools, if I had the means. 10/10 highly recommend.
Johnny, January 5, 2018
Very impressed!
5.0 out of 5 stars
I wasn’t expecting much for a book that costs <$5, but I am truly impressed! This book has engaging pictures and an easy-to-follow message. I am an occupational therapy student and I was looking for an introductory book to teach a child the value of meditation. This fit the bill perfectly!
JK, February 28, 2016
Very helpful and useful
5.0 out of 5 stars
This story was great, I bought it for my Elementary School because we have a large population of Emotionally Supported students. I read it before donating and realized I wanted my own kids to read it (9,7 & 4). I still reference some of the parts in the book when helping my own kids navigate their emotions.
Kevin F, March 29, 2017
Very cute story teaches kids meditation
5.0 out of 5 stars
My 8 years old daughter loves this book! She learned to calm herself down whenever she has a rough time. Although she can’t do it very well every time, however, you can notice that she is influenced and will get better and better with the skill by practicing it often.
E.Light, January 9, 2018
Great Intro to Meditation!
5.0 out of 5 stars
It has been difficult to get my young (3 yr old) son into meditation. We are trying and moving slowly and usually once every couple weeks we come back to this book. It has helped to have a book that shows him the same things I talk to him about. He enjoys the book and it’s very easy to read to him. The book flows very well and is a very calming and peaceful story to read out loud to him.
Shawna, January 20, 2016
Awesome book for the little piggy in your life!
5.0 out of 5 stars
I bought this book for my 8-year-old who has anxiety. He loves showing me the moves and he is learning an important skill he can use anywhere. Great book!
KLO29, December 3, 2016
Reviews for Book 2 of the Peaceful Piggy Series:
Peaceful Piggy Yoga
Verified Amazon Reviews
I would highly recommend this book
5.0 out of 5 stars
This is one of the sweetest books and is very helpful with kindergarten – 3rd grade level children in teaching them different yoga poses to help with stress coping. It’s also beneficial in teaching developmentally delayed adults about yoga and stress coping. Overall, I would highly recommend this book.
kccayson, November 20, 2017
The world needs Peaceful Piggy Yoga
5.0 out of 5 stars
I love the Peaceful Piggy books. I’m raising my grand babies , toddlers, and they enjoy practicing yoga with me . They actually ask to do it now. Such an amazing book! We need more peaceful piggies in the world today!
heidi r morgan, February 11, 2020
GET THIS BOOK FOR THE CHILD IN YOUR LIFE
5.0 out of 5 stars
This has helped my 8-year-old son brush up on ways to relax and center himself. He is able to use these positions even when he is anxious at school. Or anywhere. And he loves showing off the moves. Great book for little yogis and anxious piggies!
KLO29, December 3, 2016
This book is adorable! My four-year-old granddaughter loves it and wants to …
5.0 out of 5 stars
This book is adorable! My four-year-old granddaughter loves it and wants to do yoga with it quite often. She even uses it as her “teacher’s guide” when she conducts her own yoga classes. The artwork is really cute, too.
Kathryn M, February 27, 2018
sweet book
5.0 out of 5 stars
This book is precious! It helps teach kiddos some foundational yoga poses in a kid friendly way. My 8 year old daughter loves it and refers to it again and again.
Yogi Mom, October 5, 2015
bought this so my great-granddaughter and I could some easy yoga poses together
5.0 out of 5 stars
I bought this so my great-granddaughter and I could some easy yoga poses together. It’s fine for a young child. We had fun both reading the book and trying the poses. I left the book with my g-granddaughter in Utah (I live in NY state) and I’m not sure if she does any of the yoga on her own.
Lorraine Banks, August 24, 2014
Tiny ones CAN do yoga! And well.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great for 2 yr old rambunctious great granddaughter.
Robin Chadwick, August 10, 2018
Great for all ages!
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love all of Kerry MacLean books. Read them to my toddler as well as my kids yoga classes. They’re actually a great reminder for adults as well!
Heather, October 15, 2016
Reviews for Book 3 in the Peaceful Piggy Series
Peaceful Piggy Bedtime
“This super-adorable yet entirely pragmatic book will transition both child and parent to a night of sweet slumbers. A must-have for any evening storytime snuggle.” —Sumi Loundon Kim, author of Sitting Together: A Family-Centered Curriculum on Mindfulness, Meditation, and Buddhist Teaching
Moody Cow Meditates
Editorial Reviews
“Teaching children to meditate might be as easy as herding any other group of frisky critters. Moody Cow Meditates fills a distinct void in kid literature.”—Publishers Weekly
“It’s a great way to introduce children to the practice of meditation, while also helping them become aware of their feelings.” — Tynette Deveaux, “Good Reads for Little Buddhas,” Shambhala Sun
“Salty, satisfying, and clever book.”, Spirituality & Practice
“An amazing, yet simplistically beautiful story that teaches children (and caregivers) how to meditate.”, Circles of Light
“This book is a true gem to those of us with children and that struggle with trying to teach them meditation.”, Precious Metal –This text refers to the hardcover edition.
Verified Amazon Reviews
Read this to a child and become calm yourself!
5.0 out of 5 stars
This story captivated my great granddaughter from the time she was 4-and-a-half! This purchase was actually my second one of Moody Cow so that I could send it to her in another state. She loves it and relates to the happenings in the story. We made a calming jar that she likes; I sent her a yoga gong along with the book. She is now a year older and continues to love this story that explains about “bad days” happening to anyone, yet handling such in a positive, calming manner. I think my local bookstore may now offer it for sale based on conversation with customer service helper in store! HIGHLY recommend for kids – and parents reading it to a child will find themselves calmer, too!
Real Person, April 1, 2018
It taught the adults something.
5.0 out of 5 stars
I love this book! My son is 2 1/2 and we wanted to teach him about helping with his emotions when things get stressful. It is not at all religious just teaches about calming your thoughts and taking time out. My son will say “let’s read Moody Tow (Cow)” and wants to make a meditation jar with glitter.
My husband and I learned from it too! We learned about how to validate our child’s feelings with out validating the wrong actions. This comes from when the cow sits with his grandfather, the grandfather goes through each angry thought or feel from the day, he never patronizes the cow but instead says things like “wow, what a terrible way to wake up.”.
Candace Walker, May 23, 2016
Great lessons in this book, for parent and child
5.0 out of 5 stars
My 3-year-old and I read this when she’s in a bad mood. We sit on our meditation cushions and have our “calm down” bottle next to us while reading and it really helps. Sometimes she’ll come up to me and say, “I”m having a Moody Cow Day.” My 7 and 10-year-old nice and nephew also enjoy this book. Highly recommend.
Harley Lyndstrom, September 10, 2018
GREAT VISUAL FOR CALMING
5.0 out of 5 stars
Moody the cow to show children how to release pent up energy in a positive, visual, and meaningful way. I use this with my 7 year old as the story goes. My 4 year old and 2 year old use a modified version that I created within the story. Great visuals, making the breathing bottle with glitter has been an AMAZING way to help my boys visualize their brains calming down. I also use a very modified version of this activity/story with my students.
Katie, September 8, 2016
Must have for social work/counseling library
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best. Book. Ever!! My students love it. Used it for counseling sessions with 2nd to 6th graders. Good teachable moments. Likable, relatable character in Peter (Moody Cow). My kids remember the character months later. At the end it teaches you how to make a mind jar, please use plastic instead of glass!! But you can find lots of “mind jar” instructions online. It’s a must have for any counseling library with kids!!
Bella, August 21, 2018
Successful strategy for children in therapy
5.0 out of 5 stars
I’m a child therapist and a mom to 4 little kids. I read this book with my 4 and 6 year old children and they really enjoyed it. After we read it, we made the mind jars, which the kids loved. We’ve even practiced using the mind jars when they get angry and I find that the technique has been helpful.
I’ve also used the book and mind jar activity with about 5 kids at work (all elementary school age) and each of them responded well. It led to some good discussions and they worked hard to think of angry thoughts so they could keep adding more and more glitter to their mind jars.
I have nothing negative to say, I consider it successful at home and at work!
Victoria, August 22, 2015
Successful strategy for children in therapy
5.0 out of 5 stars
I’m a child therapist and a mom to 4 little kids. I read this book with my 4 and 6 year old children and they really enjoyed it. After we read it, we made the mind jars, which the kids loved. We’ve even practiced using the mind jars when they get angry and I find that the technique has been helpful.
I’ve also used the book and mind jar activity with about 5 kids at work (all elementary school age) and each of them responded well. It led to some good discussions and they worked hard to think of angry thoughts so they could keep adding more and more glitter to their mind jars.
I have nothing negative to say, I consider it successful at home and at work!
Victoria, August 22, 2015
Oh wow this is perfect for my 7yr old son who sometimes gets so cross
5.0 out of 5 stars
I bought this item as I have a little boy who is wonderful 99% of the time but every now and then just explodes with anger. I have bought him kids anger books before and love them as they really seemed to work. My little boy is quite sensitive and has always been interested in yoga, crystals and angels so i thought meditation might really work for him – i was right! i spent ages finding a book that was just right and fell lucky getting this book on amazon as it is perfect! I’m so impressed with how the story explains exactly the situation we were facing – things make moody cow more and more upset through the day and he finally explodes. Moody cows granddad comes round to the house and shows him how to do a simple meditation. Now, when he has had a bad day, all my son does is grab a cushion to sit on, a jar of water, some glitter and a small bell. He sits down and adds a pinch of glitter to the jar for everything which has gone wrong. He shakes the jar and rings the bell. He sits still and calm until all the glitter has settled back down again (and by this time his anger has melted away) rings the bell to end the meditation and listens until he can no longer hear a sound, and then he gets back to what he was doing but this time with a cool head. I think this book would be great in schools – i know many children with anger issues or highly intelligent children who feel very frustrated and don’t know how to calm themselves down. I would very highly recommend this book! 🙂
lindsayemma, December 7, 2013
Moody Cow Learns Compassion
Editorial Reviews
“Compassion arises through developing empathy with the misfortune of others. Without resorting to heavy-handed moralizing, Kerry Lee MacLean manages to embody this profound spiritual truth in a tale that young children–and the parents who read it to them–will find engaging and instructive. Highly recommended.” Author: Jon Landaw, author of Prince Siddhartha: The Story of Buddha (children’s book) and Buddhism for Dummies
One of Spirituality & Practice’s Best Spiritual Books of 2012 Source: Spirituality & Practice
“Kerry Lee MacLean continues to entertain and inform through her delightful stories. Thank you, Moody Cow, for showing us how to cultivate compassion. The courage and heart to do so, especially when facing a bully, is a good lesson for us all–and this book makes it easy for young and old alike to take the same steps.” Author: Lauren Alderfer, author of Mindful Monkey, Happy Panda.
“Engaging and heartfelt!” Source: Spirituality & Practice
Verified Amazon Reviews
Highly recommend!
5.0 out of 5 stars
My eight year-old daughter and I adore Moody Cow. This one is truly wonderful, teaches children respect and love for all living things, no matter how small, and does it in a clear, not preachy or corny way. This book and Moody Cow Meditates have helped my daughter to be more mindful and to slow down, to be patient, I highly recommend both of them.
Amazon Customer, December 22, 2014
her kids love it. I even got a thank you note
5.0 out of 5 stars
This was requested by my niece; her kids love it. I even got a thank you note! I guess the message is calming and appreciated by parents.
Bill Clancy, June 1, 2017
This (and other Moody Cow books) are such a wonderful addition in helping raise kind
5.0 out of 5 stars
The product was packed well and arrived in a very timely manner. This (and other Moody Cow books) are such a wonderful addition in helping raise kind, compassionate, less-stressed children. The text and pictures lead to lots of good discussions and make for a snuggly, warm reading experience with the child.
HomePlace, December 15, 2014
… from preschool up to early middle school and they love it. Now that spring has arrived I can …
5.0 out of 5 stars
I have used Moody Cow Meditates with kids ranging from preschool up to early middle school and they love it. Now that spring has arrived I can do the same with Moody Cow Learns Compassion. This is a great series so far. I can’t wait to see what Moody Cow learns next.
Isaac Fishman, March 25, 2017
Adorable and enlightening
5.0 out of 5 stars
This is a great way to introduce respect and compassion for all creatures to one’s children. My family and I love it and intend to attempt an earthworm rescue as suggested at the end of the book!
Kari L. Gabel, January 10, 2014
Mindful Monkey, Happy Panda
Editorial Reviews
“This beautiful story shows us all how to dwell peacefully and happily in the present moment.”—Thich Nhat Hanh
Verified Amazon Reviews
Written for children? Adults need this too
5.0 out of 5 stars
Don’t tell anyone, but I actually bought this for my wife :). She’s the type of person that always feels she should be doing something else instead of what she is doing right now.
Under the guise of it being a “bedtime story” for our children, she has now read it several times. The kids are also quoting it, so she’s getting reinforcement that way too.
Very smart, very practical book that every one should read over and over again. Highly recommended.
Ethan, July 31, 2011
A great tool for teaching children what Mindfulness is
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great tool for teaching children what Mindfulness is, in a relatable way. “I walk, I work, I eat, I play, I rest…” Kids can relate with that because it lists the most basic things we all do. Then it talks about bringing your attention to the thing you are presently doing rather than the stress of “monkey mind” thoughts bouncing around. Cute illustrations too. We read this often.
Brock, September 11, 2016
Great illustration of a complex topic
5.0 out of 5 stars
It’s excellent to demonstrate and illustrate that it’s ok to have these different emotions to children with developmental delays and really for any child.
Zeina, September 28, 2019
Cute book.
4.0 out of 5 stars
This book is pretty cute, and I feel like it has helped the concept of mindfulness sink in a little more with my 4-year-old. That is, he UNDERSTANDS it. Practicing it is a different story.
Update: My now 5-year-old actually PRACTICES mindfulness. It’s amazing. I can’t say that he learned it from me, since I struggle with the concept myself, so I attribute it to this book. 🙂
Pockets of Honey, March 1, 2014
Feels a little lost in translation
3.0 out of 5 stars
Its ok, nice images, just not so interesting to follow for the kids.
Cindy, December 14, 2017
Great for kids
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great message for kids and parents!
Adriana Phillips, July 13, 2019
Best story I have come upon for teaching Mindfulness to children
5.0 out of 5 stars
The simplicity of Mindfulness is often the most difficult aspect of it. This is not only true when trying develop your own Mindfulness practice, but also when trying to explain Mindfulness to others. Adding kids to the mix creates an abstract ideal that is often times well over their developmental level of understanding. As a psychologist who teaches Mindfulness to children, I can say that this simple and straight forward book brings Mindfulness out of the esoteric relm of its Bubahist roots by making it logical and enjoyable for all ages. The children I read this book too not only enjoy it, but immediately begin linking its simple message to their own lives. I think it is a great book to read before going to bed or in the morning to start the day.
ben knaebel, April 5, 2013
An Age-Less Lesson in Mindfulness
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love this book, and I’m 40 years old! A great reminder to live in the moment no matter what age you are, and the drawings are adorable too. I highly recommend to anyone who wants to live a more mindful and peaceful existence!
Lady Lisa, September 25, 2015
Top international reviews
Five Stars
5.0 out of 5 stars
Lovely quality book with a beautiful message, perfectly worded for young children.
Diana Edwards, February 16, 2017
Good resource for helping children to think about slowing down
3.0 out of 5 stars
Good resource for helping children to think about slowing down. Might be better if the pages were broken down a bit more for younger children – quite a lot of text on 1 page.
beeker, May 25, 2016
Little boy says it’s his favourite!
5.0 out of 5 stars
Lovely book. I bought it as a gift. Little boy says it’s his favourite!
Nell, August 19, 2015
Mindfulness here and now
5.0 out of 5 stars
This a great book, easy to explain to children and adults. The illustrations are gentle yet colourful. I would recommend this to anyone.
Natasha Theodossiadis, December 5, 2017
Just Me and My Mind
Verified Amazon Review
What a fun way to help children be aware at a young …
5.0 out of 5 stars
What a fun way to help children be aware at a young age to be mindful. Beautifully and simply written and illustrated.
catherine m dexter, March 11, 2016
Mindful Monkey Happy Panda
Review
“This beautiful story shows us all how to dwell peacefully and happily in the present moment.” — Thich Nhat Hanh
“Mindful Monkey, Happy Panda is designed to teach young readers the value of mindfulness. Although mindfulness is a practice especially advocated by Buddhism, Mindful Monkey, Happy Panda is intended for children of any religious faith or background, as it describes the idea in simple and secular terms. The bright, friendly illustrations bring this invaluable parable to vivid life. Highly recommended.”, Midwest Book Review
Verified Amazon Reviews
What a fun way to help children be aware at a young …
5.0 out of 5 stars
What a fun way to help children be aware at a young age to be mindful. Beautifully and simply written and illustrated.
catherine m dexter, March 11, 2016
Peacful Piggy’s Guide to Sickness and Death
Editorial Reviews
“A Peaceful Piggy’s Guide to Sickness and Death, Sadness and Love (Wisdom), to her grandchildren, who have spent all their lives, she writes, living with sick family members. What can children do when someone they love gets sick? How can the anxious, sad, or confused child connect with their feelings and bodies amidst such difficulty? Peaceful Piggy offers a model of calm presence and gentle exercises, such as walking with great attention on the bottoms of the feet, lying on the ground like a starfish, and making a simple flower arrangement or a “mind jar.” With each exercise as beneficial for grown-ups as for their children, this book is a beautiful tool for directly experiencing and talking about sickness, death, and dying—not morbid or forbidden topics, but part of life itself.”
—Lion’s Roar
“Every parent, teacher, therapist, and guardian should have this book on hand. At some point, all children will have a loved one who is sick or dying or has passed on. How I wish my mother had this book when my grandmother—who lived with us—and then my father both died before I was ten years old. Reading this gentle but powerful book took me back to that painful time as I imagined that I was the child to whom the author was speaking. A deep calm overcame me as I tried each of her mindfulness practices. My hope is that you’ll get this book now so you’ll be ready to help a young one when the time comes.”
—Toni Bernhard, author of How to Be Sick
“Kerry’s Peaceful Piggy skillfully offers a way for children to process illness and death, topics that continue to be so often unspeakable, and yet so present in our lives. A beautiful and timely book that will be a most enriching addition to my therapy practice and my family.”
—Sara Marlowe, therapist and author of No Ordinary Apple and My New Best Friend
“The loving voice of a grandmother’s wisdom emanates from the practical guidance and loving comfort provided on each page. MacLean’s latest is a must-have for every parent’s bookshelf and local library.”
—Sumi Loundon Kim, author of Sitting Together: A Family-Centered Curriculum on Mindfulness, Meditation, and Buddhist Teachings