Tomorrow Girl A Tale of Mindfulness

Tomorrow Girl A Tale of Mindfulness written by Vikki Conley, illustrated by Penelope Pratley (EK Books) PB RRP $24.99 ISBN 978 1 925820362

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

Vikki Conley, captures being mindful in a quirky and wondrous way. Meet Tomorrow, a girl who is always in a hurry. She just might miss out on something. It’s not until Tomorrow trips over Yesterday that Tomorrow starts to slow down. It is poignantly clear Yesterday is stuck in the past. Then Tomorrow bumps into Today. She wonders why Today is standing there doing nothing. But is this really true? Tomorrow does slow down with Today and realises that she is missing out on things. And now her days are just that little bit slower.    

 

This is a picture book that is both current and topical. Its title captures the essence of the book and will command attention from a bookshelf. The natural dialogue and short sentences move the story along with haste as we travel along with Tomorrow. The questioning and answering allows the messages of the book to be told easily and simply. Vicki uses verbs to great effect and she captures the innocence of a child’s world. The ellipsis at the end of the story intentionally slows the character and the reader naturally down to bring mindfulness into play in the story.

 

Penelope Pratley starts this story with a mindful sky and clouds on the endpapers. Her realistic drawings and watercolours show the natural movement and speed of Tomorrow as she travels through the story. The body language of all the characters mirrors their personalities. The double page spreads with varying perspectives match the movement and flow of the story and its messages. I particularly love the double page spread of Today and Tomorrow with the creek, grass, and tadpole catching: it brings a smile.

 

Tomorrow Girl A Tale of Mindfulness is a picture book with a timely message that’s for 3-8 years. This is a book that can be used as a tool for both parents and teachers. Tomorrow Girl A Tale of Mindfulness will gently encourage children to slow down and find magic in their everyday. It is a clever and sophisticated picture book.