What does it mean to be present? by Rana DiOrio, illustrated by Eliza Wheeler (2010), is a quick read published by Scholastic. It's a clever attempt to introduce a profound concept. The first few pages grab the reader's attention: “Does it [being present] mean sharing something at show and tell? No. Does it mean wrapping yourself up? No!" After that, most of the book defines "present" rather broadly by providing examples.
I like the examples of time: focusing on the now instead of what’s next, waiting patiently for one’s turn, savoring your food (using the stereotypical orange slices). There’s also references to touch, hearing, taste, and breath. I wonder what children think about the suggestion “... closing your eyes and being still enough to hear your inner voice.” Other pages in the book strike me as tangential to being present: treating new experiences as opportunities and gratitude for family and friends.
Eliza Wheeler's illustrations seem consistent with other generic scholastic publications. They are crisp and pleasing. I expected more faces of color amongst the children. But she succeeds in showing a happy lifestyle.
