Mop Rides the Waves of Life

Meet Mop. Mop loves to surf. Spending time in the waves is Mop’s favorite activity, and though he likes school okay, too, his week isn’t going so hot. He loses his temper with a friend, gets teased in class, and even runs out of his favorite cereal. When it’s time to hit the waves on Thursday, his mom explains that he can surf in life just like he surfs in the waves. Mop doesn’t think there’s much to that, but when she explains the waves as feelings and emotions (that are perfectly normal to have), that you can surf through them by breathing through the feelings and being present in the moment. Once the moment passes, you still may feel those things, but you’ve made it through them just like the waves. When Mop tries it on Friday, he’s amazed at how different his world and emotions seem.

There are so many great kids books out now that I wish were available when I was little and not learning to deal with my emotions. There are concepts in this book that it’s taken me almost 34 years and therapy to understand and start practicing. I think this book will help kids get a great start on mindfulness, and in the long run, it will help them be better developed and mentally healthy.

Other things I loved about this book include the art. I love that all of the kids’ heads are huge, that way, Mop’s hair doesn’t look as out of place, even though it gets made fun of a little bit. I love the late 60s animation vibe I got from all of the art work. Simple line drawings with vibrant color and detailed facial features. It’s a good look, for sure. Great summer vibes, and any time is a good time to start learning about mindfulness.

This one comes out at the end of June, just in time for summer beach trips! Keep an eye out for it at your favorite book store or request it from your local library.

I thought this was a sweet book and very relevant for parenting my three-year-old child at the moment. This book provides a great learning opportunity for children to learn mindfulness, how our behaviors affect others and about self-reflection. Children in the targeted age range of 4 to 8 years old are dealing with a lot of big emotions and this gives them a visual opportunity to see how those emotions can play out via surfing waves. I love that Mop’s mom used something he loves to teach him about the emotions he experiences. This could even help parents adjust the techniques to suit their children’s interest; for example, cars on a hilly road.

My favorite part of the story is Mop’s hair. Absolutely adorable!!

Thank you to Netgalley, Parallax Press and Jaimal Yogis for an advanced copy of this book. #MopRidestheWavesofLife #NetGalley

Excellent story that many school-aged children will be able to grasp and relate to. It opens the floor for conversations about behavior, respect, and self reflection, which is always a good learning opportunity. I think the character illustrations are adorable. I love Mop's hair. Background illustrations could be more detailed and engaging.