*received for free from netgalley for honest review* This is a really different kids book. Hard to put into words how cool i think this book is! would buy for sure.

I received an eBook copy of My Old Friend, Then from NetGalley and Riverlet Press in exchange for an honest review.

Honestly this adult found it somewhat confusing as a children's book, but if used in the proper setting and with the proper guidance, I believe it could be valuable for children as a teaching aid about dwelling on the past versus living in the moment. It frames the concepts nicely, but it just doesn't quite get there for me.

The illustrations were all right, a bit old school overall, and the writing needed a bit of editing. It was a pleasant enough read, but it wouldn't be a top choice of mine to recommend for a young child.

Mindfulness is the key to a happier, healthier life, and the earlier we can teach children this invaluable skill, the better. This lovely book does this in such an effortless manner. The illustrations are stunning, and the story drives the point across about how living in the moment, and paying attention to what’s around you, is essential to enjoy what life has to offer.

Thank you to Riverlet Press and Netgalley for an eARC of this book to read and review.

I found this mindfulness book for children very well done. It explains a somewhat complicated concept in a fun and unique way. As an adult, I also found it helpful.

This is a really lovely kids book explaining about the past versus the present. I really liked how it showed the character growing up, moving forward and displaying likes and interests for new things compared to what they used to like, it shows recognition in age and achievement in changing.

I think that's a really positive thing to show a child and that even though we are growing up, there are times when sometimes we will go back to doing things we used to and that's okay too

It's important to not focus on that too much and be mindful of staying in the present.

I think this is a good book for children and will help them to learn the difference between before and after.
Many thanks to Netgalley for this free ARC in return for my free review.

I enjoyed this book. I think it acts as a reminder to live in the present not the past and that is ok to look back on the past occasionally. I think it would be more suitable for older children mayve six plus.

I just loved this book! I work as an elementary school counselor, and have been seeking ways to improve the mindfulness of my students. This story provides a way for students to concretely think about what it means to be mindful-truly living in the moment- rather than focusing on the past or future. In the midst of so many changes, I have seen students experiencing anxiety and fear of the future, as well as fixating on things that happened in the past. My Old Friend, Then demonstrates the importance of both acknowledging the past and looking forward to the future while also focusing on the thoughts and feelings of the here and now. The illustrations are beautiful and engaging, and I appreciated the variety of art techniques and styles of expression. I am looking forward to purchasing the hardback copy of this book to keep in my office at school.

Ever found yourself caught in the shadows of the past or often contemplating 'what if'? This delightful children's book will speak to you.

I really enjoyed the story and illustrations. It's a wonderful and relatable read about living in the now while appreciating the past.

Interesting way of getting away from living in the past and focusing on the now. Marketed toward children, but it serves as a great reminder to any age.

I received an electronic copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

To be honest I didn't understand the point of the story, but I understood that it's about a little girl with a friend from the past- then , and a friend from the present- now. I liked the concept as far as I understood, but I didn't understand why it mattered at the end of the day- one star. I liked the illustrations, for which I'm giving another star.

This is so cute and a beautiful lesson. Focus on the present. It’s okay to love the past and current version of yourself but you should be in the moment. What a wonderful book for people of all ages. Thank you NetGalley.

I found this to be such a cute story about what it’s like for kids to be worried about the past and what happened before; and how you can choose to to focus on the NOW.
I found it incredibly touching and even helpful as an adult to choose to remember to stay in the present and let the past go when it’s harmful but to remember when it’s helpful.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

The illustrations are captivating with all the beautiful colors. It is a wonderful story about friendship and how you can still be friends with old friends while making new friends throughout your life. I recommend this book for children ages 5-8. I am grateful to Netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a honest review.

I think this is a book that could be read throughout the years of school. It’s a great start for mindfulness in lower elementary school, and as kids grow, it can be used to talk about how and when to be with “now” instead of “then,” or how “then” can help you with “now.”

Not sure if this is for young readers. It is a reflection on old friends and new friends. Not something I would recommend.

A special Thank you to Riverlet Press and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

My Old Friend, Then, captivated me from the cover and the description. The illustrations kept me intrigued from the beginning to the end of the story.

This children’s book is a wonderful way to teach children about mindfulness as well as what they can do when they feel anxious thoughts. It also teaches self-love and acceptance at a young age.

I appreciate books that make you think outside the box, and while I feel this book is better for slightly older children in elementary school, the message is one of a great teacher that will stay with them forever.

My Old Friend, Then brought to a world of a young girl who told me about her life in unsual way. She let me know about Now and Then, her friends and how two of them played their role in her life. It is nice to know that she learnt something meaningful from them.

I do not enjoy the illustration but this is a good book. It is a bit different from the recent children books that I read. I like the messages.

A beautiful story about embracing the past and learning to look to the future. A great story for children who are overcome with anxious past actions and feeling isolated.

A nicely illustrated story which provides a way of easily explaining/modelling mindfulness and it’s benefits to young children.

A young girl contemplates her inner friend, and constant companion, Then. She notes both the good (Then tells great stories) and the troubling (Then demands constant attention) of the situation. She then decides to make a new friend, Now, who offers her a more positive experience, though she doesn't entirely cut ties with Then.

This is a great message about anxiety and mindfulness for kids. It gently points out the advantages to staying in the moment and not being ruled by passing thoughts and feelings. The illustrations are also gorgeous! They're so colorful, detailed, and lively. That said, this might be a bit too subtle and metaphorical for young children. The concept might go right over their heads. I would recommend reading this in elementary, rather than preschool or Pre-K. I would also make sure an adult reading partner is available to guide kids through the concepts in the book.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!