The Gift of the Broken Teacup: Poems of Mindfulness, Meditation, and Me

Warm, witty poems by the acclaimed Allan Wolf bring mindfulness to the younger set—one simple, nurturing practice at a time.

An om is a poem
without any words.
It acts as a voice
so the heart can be heard.

Have you ever let your thoughts just float into the sky? Why is today the very best day of the year? And what does a broken teacup have to do with anything? In fresh, accessible poems about mindfulness and related themes, award-winning poet Allan Wolf takes on subjects from kindness to confidence, from finding peace in nature to letting your own joyful “YAWP!” be heard (thank you, Walt Whitman). Woven throughout are subtle how-to’s on meditation, breathwork, visualization, yoga, journaling, and more, as well as taking in others’ points of view, letting go of anger, and other invaluable elements of social-emotional learning. “Accept the way you feel, and turn / your worry into wonder,” says the poet. This charming collection, animated by Jade Orlando’s bright illustrations, offers the tools and the inspiration to make that happen.

Allan Wolf is the author of many award-winning books for children and teens, including How to Tantrum Like a Champion, The Blanket Where Violet Sits, Behold Our Magical Garden, No Buddy Like a Book, The Day the Universe Exploded My Head, and The Blood-Hungry Spleen and Other Poems About Our Parts. He lives in Asheville, North Carolina.

Jade Orlando’s colorful illustrations are featured in books, apparel, advertising, and licensing, with clients including Hallmark and the ACLU. She lives in the ’burbs of Atlanta, Georgia, with her husband, three cats, and a greyhound named Petra.