Buddy"s Summer of Extraordinary Attention

By: John Cousins

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

Buddy's Summer of Extraordinary Attention

A Middle Grade Novel About Mindfulness, Wonder, and Finding Magic in the Everyday

Trapped in an existential crisis despite summer vacation finally arriving, 13-year-old Buddy feels disconnected from the world—until his recurring dreams introduce him to Astrophil, a star-like being who teaches him the transformative power of attention.

This illustrated coming-of-age story follows Buddy's journey as he discovers that by simply changing how he focuses his attention, his ordinary world becomes extraordinary. From feeling like a puppet with no control to finding wonder in a single leaf, Buddy's summer becomes an adventure in perception that bridges two worlds: the cosmic dreamscape where Astrophil guides him and the everyday reality that suddenly brims with overlooked magic.

Perfect for readers ages 9-13 who enjoy:

• Stories about finding meaning and wonder in everyday life
• Gentle philosophical tales that introduce mindfulness concepts
• Books that address feelings of disconnection and existential questions
• Illustrated middle-grade fiction with both realistic and fantastical elements

Through evocative illustrations and poetic text, this book introduces young readers to philosopher Simone Weil's concepts of attention in an accessible, adventure-filled story. As Buddy learns to truly see the world around him, readers will be inspired to discover the extraordinary hiding within their ordinary lives.

An ideal book for parents and teachers looking to help children navigate big feelings while discovering the joy of being fully present in their own lives.