Good Morning, Morning!

A child takes in meditative time outdoors before dawn-- until it's time to shout "Good morning!" to the sun.

Just before daybreak, a child steps outside to plant warm feet on the cool ground.

Though it's quiet, there's so much sensory magic to see and feel and hear: lacy slug trails on the porch; spiderwebs rippling in the grass; birdsong in the air; wet dew and spiky pine needles to walk through in the woods beyond the yard.

Expertly modeling mindfulness, the child breathes in the still-sleepy world, taking in every little detail. But when the sun's warm rays arrive, it's time to run and jump and cartwheel! GOOD MORNING, MORNING!

Good Morning, Morning! is a perfect read-aloud for restless youngsters learning to self-soothe, and may well serve families as a new ritual to ease chaotic mornings. The joyous shout of the ending will bring the energy right back up, with a new focus toward the natural wonders all around us.