Saturday Mornings for Kids is a meme that recommends books for kids from toddlers to middle school. Hopefully it is read by parents, teachers, and grandparents plus those interested in what is “out there” for children.

Today’s recommendation was sent to me by Oni Press when I was a Cybil’s judge last fall.

Dewdrop, a graphic “novel/picture book” by Katie O’Neill is a gently worded, gently illustrated delight for the youngest readers or read-to’s. The author embodies the concept of SIMPLICITY in her colorful drawings as well as text while she tells the story of Dewdrop who teaches her pond-dwelling friends “how to be mindful,  [to] go at their own pace, and  to find joy in their own achievements,” a lesson all children need to hear and learn. Her friends, “Mia, the weightlifting turtle;” “Newman, the musical newt;” and “the minnows who love to cook;” are all struggling with perfecting their talents for the Sports Festival at the pond. As they look at others who are preparing, they lose their confidence and feel they are “not as good”, becoming discouraged and sad. Dewdrop, who has been practicing her cheerleading skills, goes to each of her friends and literally cheers each of them on.

After talking to Dewdrop, Mia realizes that although she is not as strong as some contestants in the weightlifting contest, she “is stronger than I used to be. The only person I need to compete with is myself and try to do better than I did yesterday.” In today’s competitive world, what child does not need that life lesson?

This little graphic novel for pre-K age kids guarantees these youngest audiences will come away with a sense of peace and satisfaction that they are always good enough and need only focus on the good side of things to stay happy with themselves and their lives.