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Leyla

by Galia BERNSTEIN
illus. by Galia Bernstein. 32p. Abrams. May 2019. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781419735431.
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PreS-Gr 2—Leyla's large baboon family is "always busy, always fussy, always noisy." Overwhelmed, she runs away, stopping only when she hurts herself on some sharp rocks. A nearby lizard isn't interested in making Leyla feel better; he's too busy doing nothing, which is just what young Leyla needs. After a short but effective meditation lesson, Leyla returns home to her family and their loving ministrations. Reflecting both the anxiety perpetuated by our culture's busyness and a toddler's developmental need for independence, Bernstein's spare narrative and adorable muted earth tone palette offer a warm and familiar story. Pair with Jacob Grant's Through with the Zoo for some good old Venn diagram comparisons, or with Molly Bang's When Sophie Gets Angry to talk about using space and silence for self-care.
VERDICT A recommended read-aloud for storytime or one-on-one sharing.
Reviewed by Lisa Lehmuller, Paul Cuffee Maritime Charter School, Providence , May 01, 2019

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