Ring Tail Raffi: Mindfulness in Madagascar

by Shari LaRosa, Alessandra Cimatoribus (Illustrator), Sharon Wirtenberg (Editor)

Ring Tail Raffi is a story about a Lemur with anxiety who ventures on a life changing journey, ultimately learning mindfulness skills to cope with his worries and fears. This story introduces young minds to beginner’s mindfulness concepts, followed by interactive questions fostering dialogue between children and caregivers such as parents, teachers or therapists. For all those interested in nature and animals, we also learn some fun facts. Let’s experience learning Mindfulness in Madagascar with this lovable Lemur!

Genres: Picture Books

46 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 23, 2021

Reviews

[Irina R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love and enjoyed reading this book!. Even though, the book is supposed to be geared for parents and children with anxiety but it is also relatable to be read for adults and caregivers for an elderly parent with mental health illnesses such as myself!. I could read out this book to my elderly mother with mental health illnesses as she usually enjoys reading stories with beautiful and colorful illustrations of nature and animals such as this book!.

From this book, we learn not only about anxiety and how to self-healed it ourselves by living and focusing in the current moment and not to worry to much about the future or about events that haven't happen yet. This is told through a lemur character named Raffi who is having anxiety thinking of the safety and the survival of his own troops from being attack by the Fossas!. With the lush Madagascan jungle and the exotic animals as the backdrop, readers were also brought on an adventure and a journey of Raffi across the jungle when he finally decided to seek help from the Wise Red Owl to treat his anxiety!.

In short, i'd totally recommend this book to anybody and not just limited to parents and children as i myself as a caregiver to an elderly parent with some psychological and psychiatrical problems find the tips and the techniques given in this book to be useful and relatable in helping to tone down our nerves and anxiousness through the mindfulness, visualisations,grounding and breathing exercises as taught by my mother's therapists!.

Thank You NetGalley and the publisher for this review copy!.

[Little Batties · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shari LaRosa tackles a very real emotion a lot of people feel and struggle with, and she turned it into a cute and refreshing story that readers have the potential to connect with.

Raffi has anxiety, and it keeps our lemur friend up at night with all sorts of worries someone little shouldn't have to think about. His fears and worries ooze from the page, and he goes on a journey to try to find ways to cope with these feelings he has. On his journey, he meets other forest creatures, one that proves to (possibly) have the answers he's looking for.

It is a great story that allows kids to see that they are not alone in their feelings. This is the sort of the story that gives littles a chance to open up about how they feel, and the adults in their life can find ways to help them get the skills they need to work through their anxiety. It is a story I can see being useful in the classroom, as it shows that it is okay to have these feelings, and that there are people out there that can help if you ask.

Thank you NetGalley and Gatekeeper Press for giving me an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Calvert Cormier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure what to expect from a children’s book about mindfulness, but this one impressed me. Ring Tail Raffi tells the story of a young lemur who learns how to handle anxiety through mindfulness techniques. The author manages to keep it fun and engaging for kids while also planting valuable life lessons.

My 6-year-old daughter loved the illustrations (she kept pointing out Raffi’s tail!) and really latched onto the idea of “calm breathing.” We practiced it together, and now she sometimes reminds ME to take a breath when I’m stressed. It’s amazing how a storybook can have that kind of ripple effect.

The questions at the end helped us talk about feelings in a way that didn’t feel forced. I could see therapists and counselors using this book as a tool for opening dialogue with children. Add in the bonus of learning about Madagascar and its unique wildlife, and you’ve got a book that works on multiple levels.

[John Fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who has lived with anxiety disorder my entire life, I know the profound impact it can have on daily living. A story like this offers comfort to children who may be struggling, letting them know they are not alone and that there are gentle, non-judgmental ways to cope. The blending of real-life facts with healing lessons makes this book both informative and soothing. And the illustrations are simply gorgeous—sure to capture any child’s imagination.
What I admire most is how Shari draws on her background and professional experience to reach beyond her client base, making her insights accessible to children and families everywhere. This is the kind of book that can help not only kids but adults as well. I look forward to her future work and wish her every success.

[Sally Wilsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ring Tail Raffi by Shari LaRosa and Illustrated by Alessandra Cimatoribus

This is a beautiful rhyming book done with delightful and calming illustrations. It is a book about mindfulness but also has a lot of information about animals.
Ring Tail Raffi lives in with her troop. One night he hears the sound of the Foosa. He has then had trouble sleeping. Raffi then goes in search of the Red Owl with his friend Comet the Moth. Raffi hopes he will help calm his fears and help him sleep.
Though I think this book is for older children it is a great addition to any library. I even think adults could learn from the book.
The author has added discussion questions, a glossary and fun facts at the back of the book to promote both discussions and family fun.

[S.A. Krishnan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mindful and Informative!
Four Point Five Stars. Beautiful book for older kids.
Ring Tail Raffi from Madagascar is very anxious and he decides to find the Wise Red Owl who can help him handle his anxiety. Comet also helps Ring Tail Raffi on his journey to the Owl. The journey to the Owl and Comet was a lovely read.
Told in rhythmic lines, the Owl describes how to handle anxiety at all stages. The illustrations were beautiful and the fun facts at the end of the book were very informative. Good read for older kids.
Thank you for the eARC Netgalley.
Review also found at:
https://ok-readingcorner.blogspot.com...

[Melissa Blizzard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ring Tail Raffi is a wonderful book with whimsical and comforting illustrations on each page. Young readers will adore the main character, young Raffi, as he journeys through the rainforest in search of the wise red owl who teaches about mindfulness. It seems that this story resonates with younger readers and as well as with older children who love the gentle reminder that sometimes when we feel ourselves lost or stuck in a moment, we can focus on taking deep breaths and remembering the wonderful things around or near us. Focusing on the positive is a central theme within the message of this story, and sometimes we all need a reminder of that simple goal.

[Jay O'Callaghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ring Tail Raffi: Mindfulness in Madagascar is an exceptional children's book. With beautifully written rhyme and stylised illustrations it has everything we can apply to the current world we live in!

The story follows a very interesting little Lemur who learns how to cope with anxiety through mindfulness along his amazing adventure.

The Author has created an entertaining and engaging story that educates on the highest level. We can apply these valuable lessons to our lives when we are young and older.

5 Stars,
Jay

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for an advanced copy!

A rhyming picture book (some of the rhymes are a bit forced) following the adventures of Raffi, a young ring-tailed lemur with anxiety - something far too many children can relate to these days. Raffi makes hi sway though the jungle, explaining the local flora and fauna and delicate ecosystem along the way, then learns some useful mindfulness techniques from - whooooo else? - a wise old owl!

[Marlyn Bursey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the illustrations in this book. I liked how the book provided practical ways for kids to practice mindfulness. My kids did find that there was a lot of writing on the pages, so they struggled to listen to the whole thing, as they wanted to keep flipping the page to find out what would happen next.

[Nitoy Gonzales · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first thing you'll love about this book is the artwork. That alone will cool your eyes because of the green color. The story itself is good but it shouldn't be that long. I enjoyed how the author made mentioned of the unique animals in the rain forest.

[Ethan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet and thoughtful story! RingTail Raffi is a fun way to introduce kids to mindfulness while also teaching them about animals.

[KENVINE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this! The lemur’s journey is both engaging and calming perfect for helping kids understand mindfulness in a simple way.

[Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful mix of storytelling, mindfulness, and nature facts. Great for parents and teachers to share with children.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming and educational! The interactive questions are such a great tool for opening conversations with kids

[Hanyiezd · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cute cover book! I like the title of this book. How can a ring-tailed lemur do mindfulness? This book is getting me to think about this life. Which is not good if I am very anxious.

[Katlin Stokes · Rating 5 out of 5]

My two little boys really enjoyed this one. I loved the concept of it being about anxiety! The illustration was beautiful and I loved the facts and glossary at the end of the book.

[Natalie Horseman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The interactive questions are a wonderful bonus for parents and caregivers, and the Madagascar setting makes the adventure even more fun. A warm, engaging read for kids and adults alike!

[Melanie Gaum · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Tiffany Seward · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐ Children’s Book | Mindfulness | Coping Skills

Thank you to Gatekeeper Press for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Ring Tail Raffi is a thoughtful and calming picture book created by Shari, who uses her background as a therapist and experience with lemurs to help children and adults navigate anxiety through gentle storytelling. The book features hand-drawn illustrations and a soothing rhyming structure that makes the message easy to follow and comforting to read.

Raffi the lemur and their friend encounter several moments of conflict throughout the story, but each one is resolved. The narrative shows that even when challenges arise, calm solutions are always within reach.

One of the standout features is the guided walk-through of a meditation technique, which makes the book not just a story but also a practical tool. It’s a great introduction to mindfulness for beginners, simple, accessible, and reassuring.

Overall, Ring Tail Raffi is a supportive book that blends storytelling with emotional wellness, making it a valuable resource for classrooms, therapy settings, or families looking to strengthen coping skills in a gentle way.