Imagine standing beneath a tall tree in a quiet snow-laden forest, your soul abloom with heightened awareness. Or perhaps you’re lying on your bed, eyes closed, envisioning a butterfly fluttering just above you, its wings stirring up the gentle air before it softly lands on your fingers, nose and eyelids.

Whether immersing yourself in nature or traveling within, moments of calm introspection can help offset the stresses of daily life, rejuvenate the spirit and restore balance. In The Gift of the Broken Teacup: Poems of Mindfulness, Meditation, and Me (Candlewick, 2025), poet Allan Wolf and illustrator Jade Orlando invite young readers to open their minds, think deeper, and enjoy the benefits of being fully present in their daily lives.

This insightful collection explores the essence of mindfulness by offering strategies for self actualization and emotional literacy. With an emphasis on positive values like empathy, kindness, gratitude and respect, this child-friendly primer for being in the world truly inspires and empowers.

Thirty poems are presented in three sections — Mindfulness, Meditation, and Me — with the opening poem introducing the book’s overarching themes of acceptance, openness, and intention.

THE GIFT OF THE BROKEN TEACUP

I drink my tea 
from a broken cup.
The handle is gone,
so I pick the cup up
with both hands cupped
as if to pray.
I've learned my tea
tastes better this way.

I like the speaker’s non judgmental attitude and willingness to embrace the broken cup for what it is, ultimately discovering an unexpected gift. Good lesson: always remain open to possibilities, trust yourself.

The Mindfulness section continues with poems about integrity, perseverance, and exercising the power of self. “Indomitable Spirit” touts positive thinking, forgiveness, and determination. “Calling All Humanity: You Have Won the Lottery!” reminds us to celebrate the mystery of our miraculous existence, while the charming “Not Just Me” describes the importance of thinking about others.

NOT JUST ME

I say, "Hello there! How are you?"
I let you talk, and listen to
whatever you might have to say
before I talk about my day.

I say kind things: "I love your hat!"
I open doors: "Let me get that!"

I'm thoughtful: "Look, I made you this!"
I'm giving: "Would you like my chips?"
I say "Excuse me" when I burp.
When I eat soup, I do not slurp.

And that's how I show courtesy:
I think of others, not just me.

What goes hand in hand with this is always being receptive to alternate points of view. This excerpt from “Inconsequential” sums it up beautifully:

A breeze inconsequential
keeps a bird aloft in flight.
A cry inconsequential
wakes a mother up at night.
A dog inconsequential
is a forest for a flea.
Your inconsequential
may mean everything to me.

As long as we’re discussing being strong and acting with intention, consider “Be You the Bread,” which reminds us to fill the void/step into the breach if we see something lacking. A little generosity goes a long way: the more you give, the more you have:

BE YOU THE BREAD

If you're not being fed,
then be you the bread
           and set out your table for others.

Your guests will be grateful,
and those who are able
           will share their own jelly and butter.

The meals we deserve
are the ones that we serve,
            no matter the portions are small.

If you're not being fed,
then be you the bread
           and offer your goodness to all.

The second section of the book introduces the practice of Meditation for curious beginners. “How to Meditate” is followed by a lyrical description of the experience:

MY MIND'S EYE IS A CLEAR BLUE SKY

To meditate, I close my eyes
and gaze into my mind's blue sky,
where I can see my thoughts pass by
like clouds, or birds, or butterflies.
These thoughts I see aren't part of me.
I watch them crossing silently.
Hello. Goodbye. I leave them be
to pass me by and set me free
from What? And When? And How? And Why?
My mind's eye is a clear blue sky.

Subsequent poems illustrate different types of meditation: standing stretch, walking, specific object focus (butterfly). There’s also an “Om Poem,” defining this sacred sound (“a poem without any words”) as a way to start meditation, along with a poem about “Yoga,” which is “breathing and balance and strength.”

Finally, the third section, Me, includes a call to self reliance (“I’m the One in Charge of Me”), encouraging readers to take responsibility for their actions by asking questions and showing self-control, followed by “You Be You,” encouraging kids to take pride in simply being themselves. Good ways to celebrate your unique self? “Write yourself down” and indulge in the mental gymnastics of journaling.

JOURNAL KEEPING

Journal keeping is kernels sleeping.
Ideas in ink, like popcorn sizzling.
Keypad clackin'. Feelings crackin'.
Share my views. Describe my day.
Bringing heat to the empty page.
Facts burst open. Questions rage.
Hissing whispers. Noisy roaring.
Voice emerging. Thoughts exploring.
Confidence or quiet doubt.
Breathe moods in. Write words out.
And in. And out. And out and in.
Free the genie from my pen.
Stories true or just pretend.
Once upon a time, the end.
And then begin again, again,
to stir more popcorn kernels sleeping,
and wake them up through journal keeping.

The final poems in the section offer suggestions for working through challenging emotions like worry, anxiety and anger. It comes down to accepting them as normal feelings, then setting one’s mind to “turn worry into wonder.” With positive thinking and remembering that “most fears, and frets, and worries are just physical sensations,” each of us has the power to flip the script.

When it comes to anger in particular, apply a little creative thinking to “act” angry moods away: sing a song, draw, write, tell a joke, even juggle your socks! One should never “carry anger,” but instead “Let It Go.” Also important: remember that “Everything Changes.” No matter how bad things may seem today, things will be different tomorrow.

The book ends with a rousing affirmation: seize the day! “The Very Best Day of the Year” is today — so live in the moment, make the most of it, and have fun!

Jade Orlando’s vibrant, cheery mixed media illustrations personify joy and vitality. Love all the emotive diverse characters, adorable animals, positive energy, and whimsical touches. She actually had me at the front cover with its floral garland and tiny teacups on a flamingo, elephant, and tiger cat. 🙂

Also love all the birds and butterflies — symbols of free thinking and transformation — as well as the lovely blossoming plants that bring to mind spiritual growth. Many of the kids in the book have their eyes closed while meditating with serene, blissful expressions on their faces — so soothing and reassuring. Truly, each page turn is a delight, whether for an inventive composition, fanciful element or playful scenario. Orlando has in effect created a cool visual narrative for each poem, adding context and another layer of telling.

Kids will find Wolf’s poems engaging, informative, and fun to read. He’s made profound concepts accessible and relatable. Those new to meditation will be pleasantly surprised to learn that it’s about more than just sitting cross-legged with your eyes closed. Not only can one choose how to meditate, cultivating mindfulness also includes being ‘mindful’ of how you conduct yourself and treat others.

The Gift of the Broken Teacup is a rich, varied, appealing collection that will inspire young readers to embrace an interesting discipline promoting mental clarity, self esteem, compassion and emotional well being. Today’s world is rushed, stressful, and noisy; how wonderful to have poems encouraging kids to slow down and discover their quiet centers in order to gain a stronger, truer sense of themselves.

I like to think of each poem as a mini meditation: enter its world, absorb and internalize, emerge peaceful and refreshed.

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THE GIFT OF THE BROKEN TEACUP: Poems of Mindfulness, Meditation, and Me
written by Allan Wolf
illustrated by Jade Orlando
published by Candlewick Press, July 2025
Illustrated Poetry Collection for ages 7-10, 64pp.
**Starred Review** from Kirkus

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🦋 SPECIAL BOOK GIVEAWAY 🌺

The publisher is generously donating a brand new copy for one lucky Alphabet Soup reader. For a chance to win, please a comment at this post no later than midnight (EDT) Wednesday, October 29, 2025. You may also enter by sending an email with TEACUP in the subject line to: readermail (at) jamakimrattigan (dot) com. Giveaway open to U.S. residents only, please. Good Luck!

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Lovely and talented poet and author Sarah Grace Tuttle is hosting the Roundup. Be sure to zip on over to check out the full menu of poetic goodness being served up around the blogosphere this week. Have a good weekend. For all who are participating in the No Kings protest tomorrow, stay safe, stay sane, and stay strong!

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*Interior spreads text copyright © 2025 Allan Wolf, illustrations © 2025 Jade Orlando, published by Candlewick Press. All rights reserved.

**Copyright © 2025 Jama Rattigan of Jama’s Alphabet Soup. All rights reserved.