Maybe: A Mindfulness Tale

by Bushel & Peck Books

When a farmer's horse runs away, his neighbors call it the worst of news. A 2023 Bank Street College Best Children’s Book of the Year, Outstanding Merit "Maybe," says the wise farmer, in what will become the book's refrain as more unexpected events come his way. This delightful tale teaches that what seems bad might be good; what seems good might be bad; and in the end, all are essential, helpful experiences in our personal journeys of growth. Filled with dreamy woodblock prints and vintage illustrations,  Maybe is a breathtaking invitation to remember that mindful, nonjudgment of life's highs and lows is a surer path to peace and wellbeing.  Introduction As you read this story, think about what the farmer says whenever something happens. Could good things be bad? Could bad things be good? Is it possible to not judge an event as either good or bad? A key to peaceful mindfulness is learning to accept rather than to judge. After you read the story, think about things that have happened in your life. Can you open your mind and fully accept them without judgment? Read on―the farmer shows the way!

58 pages, Hardcover

Published April 19, 2022

Reviews

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delight to find my all-time favourite folktale brought to life in a beautiful book! "It's too soon to tell..." is a life-changing way of experiencing our existence. We needn't have our internal (and external) world dictated by incessant emotional whiplash. We can be stabilized in the "Maybe."

This is a must-buy for the bookshelf.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated tale about how everything happens for a reason - good or bad, trust it will be ok.

[Jacinta179 · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lovely retelling of an old tale. The text is clear and concise without adding anything to the simple story of acceptance life's vagaries. This book rises above the ordinary with the simple and engaging illustrations, though I am not sure that having so many different styles of illustrations helped the reader. It did feel a little like--well this is "Eastern-ish' illustration so it fits.
The introduction--as with many books aimed at children or young people--is disappointing. If the introduction needs to tell the reader what to think about while reading the book, then maybe the author does not quite trust the book to convey the message nor the reader to be able to read thoughtfully.
This week also reading Robert Green's 48 Rules of Power. I think "Maybe" is the more helpful and realistic.

"Maybe" is now leaving my hands as a gift to an older friend who has had a tough year.

[Tayler K · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel like I'm not supposed to be reviewing a book about non-judgement and saying "maybe" all the time instead of 'bad' or 'good' ....

But geez I did not like this. Tempted to 1-star, but I won't. Honestly, the smooth texture of the glossy paper was my favorite part.

The art was sometimes very lovely! But often just okay. And it seems like it's a bunch of unrelated illustrations chosen out of other sources and cobbled together. It's not cohesive.

The different animals every time should have been fun but again the randomness just grated on me.

I just expected.... idk probably something more Western. More cohesive, more structured, more narrative.

I've encountered more and more mindfulness stuff over the last 2 or 3 years and I'm starting to really understand and enjoy it, but this book.... Like getting poked with a stick over and over and over again. Maybe I'm just failing in my mindfulness but uggggh. 🙃 The lesson of waiting to see how things play out is nice enough, but it went on too long and to me that's not directly a mindfulness topic; more like 1 part patience and 1 part sort of a monkey's paw corollary.

And I never want to hear the word "maybe" again.

[lunarlibrarian]

In line with philosophies of "be water, my friend," but I did find it hard to relate to the farmer. He seemed emotionally distant. I guess I'm struggling to understand the relationship between the self and the changeable emotions. I am quite attached to my emotions - they steer the ship that is me. I don't understand who I am if I start trying to go the route of mindfulness. And perhaps I am reluctant to figure that out.

[Kenneth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sit down, 15 minute, read me a story book for young children.
Rather than wasting their time with yet another cute tale, this little book prepares the young reader for the reality of the ups and downs of life, and the value of not panicking and remaining cool.
Beautifully illustrated.

[Cynthia Fry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated with what appears to be historical art. There is a little disconnect between the images and the tale

[Leslie Latham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magnificent. The drawings and artwork are so beautiful, lending a quiet peace to this lovely little gem.