Kind Karl: A Little Crocodile with Big Feelings

Karl, an anthropomorphized crocodile schoolkid, navigates big feelings in this mindfulness-based title by Gruhl (Everything Is Connected) and Salzberg, whose picture book debut is based on her work for adults, Lovingkindness. Snapping is how young Karl copes with feeling embarrassed, overwhelmed, or unsure. Though he tells himself that it’s in a crocodile’s nature to snap, “deep down, he knew that wasn’t entirely true.” Following yet another school incident, Karl has an epiphany: the negative thoughts he has about himself aren’t true, and he has plenty of good qualities. He begins practicing self-soothing techniques, including patting his own cheek and whispering, “You did your best today, and you can try again next time.” And as Karl extends kindness to others—even responding gently when Noah the bison gets paint on Karl’s favorite cardigan—others react with kindness too. Scribbly lined cartooning by Mourrain (Little Pea) portrays Karl as endearingly goofy while rendering his struggles in a way that’s genuinely touching. It’s a work that suggests that kindness begins with self-compassion, and that sometimes the biggest emotional bite can come from being too hard on oneself. Includes activities and a meditation. Ages 4–8. (Dec.)