*received for free from netgalley for honest review* This is a really different kids book. Hard to put into words how cool i think this book is! would buy for sure.

I received an eBook copy of My Old Friend, Then from NetGalley and Riverlet Press in exchange for an honest review.

Honestly this adult found it somewhat confusing as a children's book, but if used in the proper setting and with the proper guidance, I believe it could be valuable for children as a teaching aid about dwelling on the past versus living in the moment. It frames the concepts nicely, but it just doesn't quite get there for me.

The illustrations were all right, a bit old school overall, and the writing needed a bit of editing. It was a pleasant enough read, but it wouldn't be a top choice of mine to recommend for a young child.

Mindfulness is the key to a happier, healthier life, and the earlier we can teach children this invaluable skill, the better. This lovely book does this in such an effortless manner. The illustrations are stunning, and the story drives the point across about how living in the moment, and paying attention to what’s around you, is essential to enjoy what life has to offer.

Thank you to Riverlet Press and Netgalley for an eARC of this book to read and review.

Intially I couldn't really grip the premise of this book. I found it confusing and couldn't understand about them, and now. However, I can now understand how the two friends are based upon her mindsets. Then, being a negative mindset, which dwells obsessively on the past, making the main character unhappy as a result. Compared to the happy, positive, and relaxed mindset of now.

The illustrations are lovely and have beautiful colour imagery. However, the punctuation could improve, for example this sentence 'when something's funny boy do we laugh' needs a comma adding.

The book focuses on love, mindfulness, and healthy and unhealthy relationships/ mindsets. Although it could be used in family settings, if done correctly. I wouldn't recommend this for a class setting, unless it's done with a high ability group, or with an older year group.

Rated 2 stars

Thank you to netgallery for allowing me to explore this creative book.

As an educator I think we get lost in the work, the line we walk with okay and burnt out. This book is a great reminder for us, as adults and a great foundation to teach the kids. I practice mindfulness with my kids as I am a certified mindfulness instructor and I have never been able to fully articulate this concept so beautifully. Yall, this book needs to be in every classroom and household. Let's set out kids up for success.

I found this mindfulness book for children very well done. It explains a somewhat complicated concept in a fun and unique way. As an adult, I also found it helpful.

This is a really lovely kids book explaining about the past versus the present. I really liked how it showed the character growing up, moving forward and displaying likes and interests for new things compared to what they used to like, it shows recognition in age and achievement in changing.

I think that's a really positive thing to show a child and that even though we are growing up, there are times when sometimes we will go back to doing things we used to and that's okay too

It's important to not focus on that too much and be mindful of staying in the present.

I think this is a good book for children and will help them to learn the difference between before and after.
Many thanks to Netgalley for this free ARC in return for my free review.

I enjoyed this book. I think it acts as a reminder to live in the present not the past and that is ok to look back on the past occasionally. I think it would be more suitable for older children mayve six plus.

I just loved this book! I work as an elementary school counselor, and have been seeking ways to improve the mindfulness of my students. This story provides a way for students to concretely think about what it means to be mindful-truly living in the moment- rather than focusing on the past or future. In the midst of so many changes, I have seen students experiencing anxiety and fear of the future, as well as fixating on things that happened in the past. My Old Friend, Then demonstrates the importance of both acknowledging the past and looking forward to the future while also focusing on the thoughts and feelings of the here and now. The illustrations are beautiful and engaging, and I appreciated the variety of art techniques and styles of expression. I am looking forward to purchasing the hardback copy of this book to keep in my office at school.

Ever found yourself caught in the shadows of the past or often contemplating 'what if'? This delightful children's book will speak to you.

I really enjoyed the story and illustrations. It's a wonderful and relatable read about living in the now while appreciating the past.

Interesting way of getting away from living in the past and focusing on the now. Marketed toward children, but it serves as a great reminder to any age.

I received an electronic copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

To be honest I didn't understand the point of the story, but I understood that it's about a little girl with a friend from the past- then , and a friend from the present- now. I liked the concept as far as I understood, but I didn't understand why it mattered at the end of the day- one star. I liked the illustrations, for which I'm giving another star.

This is so cute and a beautiful lesson. Focus on the present. It’s okay to love the past and current version of yourself but you should be in the moment. What a wonderful book for people of all ages. Thank you NetGalley.

I found this to be such a cute story about what it’s like for kids to be worried about the past and what happened before; and how you can choose to to focus on the NOW.
I found it incredibly touching and even helpful as an adult to choose to remember to stay in the present and let the past go when it’s harmful but to remember when it’s helpful.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

The illustrations are captivating with all the beautiful colors. It is a wonderful story about friendship and how you can still be friends with old friends while making new friends throughout your life. I recommend this book for children ages 5-8. I am grateful to Netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a honest review.

I think this is a book that could be read throughout the years of school. It’s a great start for mindfulness in lower elementary school, and as kids grow, it can be used to talk about how and when to be with “now” instead of “then,” or how “then” can help you with “now.”

Not sure if this is for young readers. It is a reflection on old friends and new friends. Not something I would recommend.

A special Thank you to Riverlet Press and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

My Old Friend, Then, captivated me from the description and illustrations kept me raptured throughout the entire book.

This children’s book is a wonderful way to teach children about mindfulness. It also encourages children to understand themselves and their own individualism. This book is definitely out of the box with its message, but so needed for today's atmosphere and society.

This book is definitely for older elementary kids due to subject matter. But it is an excellent read for everyone.

For many of us, it’s easier to live in the past than in the present. To remember better days or perceived slights. To think about what could have been rather than what is. For one young girl, that’s her every day. So focused on her friend “Then” that she misses the now. The feel of the grass under her feet, the taste of sweet strawberries. Then doesn’t allow her to enjoy any of it. So she goes out an makes a new friend: Now. And together they can do all the things the girl loves. And sure, she still plays with Then sometimes. But now she can be friends with both. And that’s even better!
My Old Friend, Then by Katherine Davis Gibbon is a welcome book in a sea of mindfulness books. Not focusing on deep breathing techniques or how to quell anxiety, but rather just on looking forward and enjoying the moment. This book was truly a breath of fresh air, offering kids a new way to be in the moment, without having to let go of the past.

My Old Friend, Then, captivated me from the cover and the description. The illustrations kept me intrigued from the beginning to the end of the story.

This children’s book is a wonderful way to teach children about mindfulness as well as what they can do when they feel anxious thoughts. It also teaches self-love and acceptance at a young age.

I appreciate books that make you think outside the box, and while I feel this book is better for slightly older children in elementary school, the message is one of a great teacher that will stay with them forever.