Neriyah—also known as Little Buddha—is a perceptive eight-year-old with a love for painting and a heart that feels things deeply. When a tough day at soccer practice turns competitive, Neriyah finds herself in an unexpected rivalry with a teammate for the team’s goalie position. What begins as friendly play quickly stirs up pressure, frustration, and emotions she doesn’t quite know what to do with.

Caught between her love for the game and the swirl of feelings building inside, Neriyah must pause and decide how she wants to show up—not just on the field, but within herself. With the help of quiet reflection, creativity, and a moment to breathe, she begins to discover that big feelings don’t have to be fought or hidden—they just need space to move.

Waiting to Exhale is a thoughtful early chapter book that invites young readers to explore emotional awareness, self-expression, and understanding through story and art. Told with warmth and honesty, this first installment of the Little Buddha Moral Arts series offers children a gentle reminder: sometimes the most important thing you can do is slow down, listen inward, and give yourself room to exhale.