It's Ok, Slow Lizard

K-Gr 2--This is a book in two parts. In the first half of the book, Slow Lizard introduces us to his friends. He describes scenarios that arise as a result of each anthropomorphized character's personality traits: Elephant has a short temper, Rabbit rushes without paying attention, and so on. Slow Lizard is a patient, mindful friend. Halfway through the book, he wonders if his friends are as happy to have him around as he is to have them. However, the book does not explore that doubt. In the second half, the animals set off on a journey to gather apples before a storm arrives. Each friend has a strength: Elephant helps carry large loads, Rabbit knows the way through the brush, and so on. Through their combined efforts, they make it home safe and dry, basket of apples in tow. The animals live in a world created by the most ebullient of colored pencils, with green plants, purple lilacs, and bright red apples. Most scenes are viewed from a comfortable middle distance, although one ingenious spread shows a first-person view of fluffy clouds seen through a hole in a leaf. Elephant is a friendly yellow, Little Bird is a bubbly blue. Slow Lizard resembles a frog head on a tiny dinosaur body in gentle green. VERDICT A look at the dynamics of friendship helps set this apart in a growing collection of mindfulness books, and the illustrations are worth getting lost in. Recommended for larger collections.--Chance Lee Joyner, Haverhill P.L., MA

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Praise for It's OK, Slow Lizard

"Together, Yoon's soothing prose, Jian Kim's winsome spreads, and Chi-Young Kim's crisp translation create a comforting, multi-layered literary gift to return to for many years (decades!) to come."

—Terry Hong, Shelf Awareness, Starred Review

"Kim's rich colored-pencil illustrations, in a sweet pastel palette, portray the adorable friend group enjoying tea, apples, and picture books with peaceful smiles in their forest home. Readers and nonreaders alike will surely love quietly enjoying the lovingly rendered, abundant details in the combination of full spreads, Slow Lizard and Little Bird's teatime on giant, pillowy peonies, in particular. Comforting as a cup of flower tea shared with a friend."

—Kirkus Reviews

"Textural illustrations in soft colors depict the narrative in spreads that invite long pauses, emphasizing Slow Lizard's mindfulness.... The reassuring, encouraging narrative has a gentle tone, and the closing point, that 'rain will always stop, and the sky will always clear up, ' is a useful one for kids experiencing big emotions. A quiet book with a meaningful message, winsomely told."

—Shelle Rosenfeld, Booklist

"I want to live in this charming world and be Slow Lizard's friend! Every page is a delight and smile-inducing. Such a timely reminder not to rush back into rushing."

—Jane Park, author of Juna's Jar

"Oh, wow! This book's beautiful illustrations and mindful message inspired me to take a slow, deep breath on every page. It's a picture-perfect reminder to slow down when anxiety creeps in. And not only does it reclaim the word 'slow' as a positive quality, it shows readers how special it is to befriend those who are different from you. I also loved the center-set poetic text, which took my hand and led me on a leisurely stroll from cover to cover."

—Mary Wahlmeier, Raven Book Store (Lawrence, KS)

"With lovely illustrations, tons of warmth, and even more heart, this book shines with friendship and the secret to truly enjoying life."

—Tonja Drecker, Bookworm for Kids

"Delightful, whimsical, and sweet, Slow Lizard is a calm and observant little creature, and he's great at helping his friends calm down and feel better. I would love to see more of Slow Lizard and his friends."

—Andrew King, Secret Garden Bookshop (Seattle, WA)

"In a world that moves at lightning speed, It's Ok, Slow Lizard provides a necessary reminder that much can be lost in the hustle of everyday life if one isn't careful. This lesson is essential for children to absorb as they grow and develop into healthy, well-balanced teenagers and adults. Their schedules are often overflowing with activities and commitments, so they'll likely relate to this poignant message and will adore the precious animals woven through the story. The illustrations feature soft, autumn hues and complement the warm, gentle tone of the text. Youth ages four to eight will savor this sweet tale."

—Manhattan Book Review

"Author Yeorim Yoon sets up the narrative structure, prose and punctuation in a way that encourages us to read at the pace at which Slow Lizard moves: slowly and thoughtfully, with (line) breaks. The illustrations are carefully shaded with soft edges. Illustrator Jian Kim uses negative space around all the objects, creating a glowy effect and treating each leaf, fruit and animal with care.... We watch Slow Lizard walk each animal through their anxieties, frustrations, and losses of the day.... The book doesn't emphasize that any one trait is superior—being slow or fast, anxious or calm, big or small, good or bad.... For elementary and middle schoolers who are beginning to learn about the traits they most admire about themselves while also perhaps being pressured to be more of something they're not, the book is a sweet reminder that everyone has something to offer, and we can turn to our friends when we need help or want to share the best parts of ourselves."

—Thaomi Michelle Dinh, International Examiner

"I was peaceful and cozy reading this beautifully illustrated picture book about a group of animals helping each other be calm. The pace is pleasingly slow, almost hypnotic, and a feeling of warm acceptance comes through clearly. Just lovely."

—Robin Stern, Books Inc. (Santa Clara, CA)