Mindful Mao the Happy Cow
The Zooples Series
on Goodreads (8)
What’s inside...
Mindful Mao, the happy cow, is different from other cows because he practices yoga, wears a toga, meditates, and bows. The other cows are puzzled by Mao's behavior and wonder how they can make him behave like a typical cow and say 'MOO' instead of 'NAMASTE'.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Mao felt when he learned to be mindful? Have you ever felt similar?
What is one new thing Mao learned about being happy? Can you apply it to your day?
Why is it important to be kind to our friends, like how Mao treats others?
Mao takes deep breaths to feel better when he's upset. What do you do when you're feeling overwhelmed or sad?
Can you think of a time when being mindful helped you or you think it could help you?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a calm and gentle tone to reflect the peaceful themes of the book. This sets a comfortable atmosphere for a deep conversation.
Relate the scenarios in the book to real-life situations your child might encounter to make the lessons more relatable.
Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts without judgement, fostering an open and honest dialogue.
Praise your child’s insights and connections they make, reinforcing their confidence and critical thinking skills.
Discuss personal experiences with mindfulness or scenarios where it could be beneficial, demonstrating the practical application of the book's lessons.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Mindfulness
Explanation: Mindful Mao practices mindfulness throughout the book, enjoying the moment whether he's grazing or listening to the birds.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate the present moment and focus on their current activities, reducing stress and increasing happiness.
Example Lesson: Value of Kindness
Explanation: Mao shows kindness to other animals on the farm, helping them when they're in trouble.
Real-World Application: Kids can practice kindness in their interactions with friends and family, fostering positive relationships and empathy.
Example Lesson: Benefits of Patience
Explanation: The storyline includes situations where Mao patiently waits for his friends or for certain events, teaching by example.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to develop patience when waiting for their turn or when facing delays, which is crucial for emotional regulation.
Example Lesson: Joy in Helping Others
Explanation: Mao finds happiness in assisting others, and his joy is evident in the narrative.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to find pleasure in altruistic acts and understand the impact of their help on others' well-being.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of Differences
Explanation: Mao interacts with many different animals on the farm and accepts them all as they are.
Real-World Application: It educates children on the importance of embracing diversity among peers, promoting inclusivity and respect for others.