Zenguin

Overcome by his boisterous community’s ceaseless cacophony, Penguin seeks advice from other creatures in this guide-like story about achieving calm. Smith’s narration articulates Penguin’s inner and outer sensations: amid an initial commotion, “his heart beat fast like a drum.” Seeking feelings of peace (a “special calm” his friends call zen), the protagonist approaches Blue Whale to learn about deep breathing, Seal to practice yoga, and Gull to investigate garden raking. “This is how I feel zen,” they each instruct. The various techniques’ beneficial effects manifest immediately: “The world was noisy, but he was calm and quiet inside.” Hanson’s softly lit illustrations have a fuzzy texture that emphasizes the text’s spotlight on self-soothing. And when Penguin’s sister gets tangled in yarn, the event aptly provides the big brother with an opportunity to share what he’s learned. “Finding Calm with Zenguin” instructions conclude. Ages 4–8. (Jan.)