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Ring Tail Raffi: Mindfulness in Madagascar
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!
- GenresChildrensPicture Books
44 pages, Paperback
Published August 23, 2021
About the author
Shari LaRosa
3 books22 followersShari LaRosa is a children's author and licensed clinical therapist whose books have received multiple honors, including a Mom's Choice Award® for "Enchanting the Sea With My ADHD." She believes stories can nurture resilience, build confidence, and help children recognize their unique strengths.
With a background in elementary education and counseling, she blends her professional experience with a love of animals and nature to create gentle, engaging books that support emotional awareness and social-emotional growth.
Through her stories, Shari hopes to encourage meaningful conversations between children and the adults who care for them, helping young readers not feel alone in their worries, practice coping skills, and develop a positive sense of self.
Shari is the founder of her private practice, Connected Mind Counseling where she supports children and families navigating anxiety and ADHD.
When she isn't writing, she enjoys time with her family, reading, dancing, and spending time in nature - often finding inspiration for her animal characters and their thoughtful adventures.
With a background in elementary education and counseling, she blends her professional experience with a love of animals and nature to create gentle, engaging books that support emotional awareness and social-emotional growth.
Through her stories, Shari hopes to encourage meaningful conversations between children and the adults who care for them, helping young readers not feel alone in their worries, practice coping skills, and develop a positive sense of self.
Shari is the founder of her private practice, Connected Mind Counseling where she supports children and families navigating anxiety and ADHD.
When she isn't writing, she enjoys time with her family, reading, dancing, and spending time in nature - often finding inspiration for her animal characters and their thoughtful adventures.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 20, 2025
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!.
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!.
December 18, 2025
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.
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.
September 26, 2025
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.
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.
January 22, 2026
A young lemur with anxiety issues goes to visit the wise owl, who teaches some mindfulness basics, the end. This is clearly a lesson in how to react to anxiety – to take advice from our elders, first and foremost. But it also just about manages to make a pleasant read out of things at the same time – the rhymed lines can struggle to match in length and rhythm but they do read easily, and the visuals are strong enough to convey Raffi's adventures and character. I've seen books similar to this go all-in on the mindfulness advice aspect, which I have never found any keenness for; this feels more gentle in its lesson and possibly therefore more applicable to a wider audience. It's certainly worth a consideration should you feel the need for such a volume. And the fact that I'm reviewing this now, after it got lost in the entire pandemic situation, is a sign that perhaps more of us need it in reserve than may at first realise!
September 28, 2025
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.
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.
November 19, 2025
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.
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.
March 27, 2026
This picture book is a beautifully illustrated rhyming story that serves as a gentle introduction for young children learning to cope with anxiety. I especially love the mentions of mindfulness/present moment awareness, breathwork, grounding, gratitude, positive affirmations, and addressing worried “what if" thoughts. This story is the perfect conversation starter for having an open dialogue about anxiety with young children. I love the attention to the somatic experience of anxiety too, as this is often how it presents in young kids. I also love the concept of allowing feelings to flow through you (instead of resisting them) with this line: "When feeling anxiety, any hour, we can take away its power. Allow it to rise, fall, and pass through, it will not remain stuck inside of you.”
April 19, 2026
Thanks to Gatekeeper Press, the author and NetGalley for a DRC in return for an honest review.
Such a beautifully crafted story book written by Shari LaRosa for children and adults to read together. Not only a delightful story but one with a message for children who may be dealing with Anxiety. The characters are brought to life with the wonderful hand painted illustrations by Alessandra Cimatoribus. A list of discussion questions are included at the end of the book along with a glossary of terms - thus allowing young children and their caregivers the opportunity to further discuss this enchanting Madagascan mindfullness story featuring a lovable little Ring-Tail Lemur named Raffi.
#socialemotionallearning #RingTailRaffi #NetGalley
Such a beautifully crafted story book written by Shari LaRosa for children and adults to read together. Not only a delightful story but one with a message for children who may be dealing with Anxiety. The characters are brought to life with the wonderful hand painted illustrations by Alessandra Cimatoribus. A list of discussion questions are included at the end of the book along with a glossary of terms - thus allowing young children and their caregivers the opportunity to further discuss this enchanting Madagascan mindfullness story featuring a lovable little Ring-Tail Lemur named Raffi.
#socialemotionallearning #RingTailRaffi #NetGalley
November 18, 2025
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...
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...
December 4, 2025
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.
February 7, 2026
I thought that this was a wonderful book!
My daughter has been struggling with anxiety after being bullied at school, and the lack of action from her teachers unfortunately compounded the situation and she is now having counselling support.
We read this book together and talked around some of the points in the book and she did feel more confident after reading the story. We liked the fun facts at the end of the book too.
The book has some brilliant illustrations too which helped to bring the story to life. The book was all done really well and it was thoroughly enjoyable.
It is 5 stars from me for this one - very highly recommended!
My daughter has been struggling with anxiety after being bullied at school, and the lack of action from her teachers unfortunately compounded the situation and she is now having counselling support.
We read this book together and talked around some of the points in the book and she did feel more confident after reading the story. We liked the fun facts at the end of the book too.
The book has some brilliant illustrations too which helped to bring the story to life. The book was all done really well and it was thoroughly enjoyable.
It is 5 stars from me for this one - very highly recommended!
November 10, 2025
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
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
March 27, 2026
Thank you Netgalley and Gatekeeper Press for this advanced copy of Ring Tail Raffi. This was super cute and serves a great purpose. I love the lesson in mindfulness and there are phrases in her that I think would be so helpful to repeat for young kids experiencing anxiety. There was also great information in here about Madagascar. I really loved the discussion questions at the end. I feel as though this book would serve itself best when read with a trusted adult, one on one. There's so much here to be discussed, which is why I appreciated those questions at the end.
December 10, 2025
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!
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!
May 23, 2026
I received a copy of this eBook from netGalley for a honest review.
I love this picture book that show a lemur looking for relief from his constant worry and anxiety. He goes in search of a wise owl who teaches the lemur how to meditate and do some yoga to cope better. This book would have been so helpful to me as a young child dealing with severe panic attacks and constant worry. I hope this book gets into the hands of lots of children so they can learn early coping skills.
I love this picture book that show a lemur looking for relief from his constant worry and anxiety. He goes in search of a wise owl who teaches the lemur how to meditate and do some yoga to cope better. This book would have been so helpful to me as a young child dealing with severe panic attacks and constant worry. I hope this book gets into the hands of lots of children so they can learn early coping skills.
December 1, 2025
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.
January 12, 2026
[ I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review]
Raffi has all the mindfulness skills Im learning now as an adult. I love the idea of my child learning these techniques so young. Plus I love all the regional animals that Raffi encountered along the way. I had no idea Lemurs ate spiderwebs. I will definitely be getting this book for my daughter
Raffi has all the mindfulness skills Im learning now as an adult. I love the idea of my child learning these techniques so young. Plus I love all the regional animals that Raffi encountered along the way. I had no idea Lemurs ate spiderwebs. I will definitely be getting this book for my daughter
February 26, 2026
Book review
Ring Tail Raffi
Sharing LaRosa
Such a beautiful book to read with children.
We learned how brave Raffi can be. How how brave we can be when we are scared. We learned to be kind to others. And to be learned how to manage our big emotions.
thank you #NetGalley for the opportunity to read this beautiful book
Ring Tail Raffi
Sharing LaRosa
Such a beautiful book to read with children.
We learned how brave Raffi can be. How how brave we can be when we are scared. We learned to be kind to others. And to be learned how to manage our big emotions.
thank you #NetGalley for the opportunity to read this beautiful book
November 19, 2025
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.
October 2, 2025
A sweet and thoughtful story! RingTail Raffi is a fun way to introduce kids to mindfulness while also teaching them about animals.
October 2, 2025
Loved this! The lemur’s journey is both engaging and calming perfect for helping kids understand mindfulness in a simple way.
October 2, 2025
A wonderful mix of storytelling, mindfulness, and nature facts. Great for parents and teachers to share with children.
October 2, 2025
Charming and educational! The interactive questions are such a great tool for opening conversations with kids
November 21, 2025
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.
November 24, 2025
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.
December 3, 2025
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!
December 29, 2025
3.5 stars
April 29, 2026
Thankyou netgalley. This book was beautifully illustrated and my 2 sons absolutely loved listening to this.
December 27, 2025
⭐ 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.
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.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews