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Life in the Sloth Lane: Slow Down and Smell the Hibiscus
WHY ARE SLOTHS ALWAYS SMILING?
Perhaps it’s because they’ve mastered the art of taking it slow in a world whose frenzied pace is driving the rest of us crazy. Here, in a mindfulness book like no other, heart-tuggingly cute photographs of these always-chill creatures are paired with words of wisdom, all to inspire us to slow down, stop to enjoy the little things, and come up relaxed, centered, and smiling.
Perhaps it’s because they’ve mastered the art of taking it slow in a world whose frenzied pace is driving the rest of us crazy. Here, in a mindfulness book like no other, heart-tuggingly cute photographs of these always-chill creatures are paired with words of wisdom, all to inspire us to slow down, stop to enjoy the little things, and come up relaxed, centered, and smiling.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published April 17, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
March 16, 2018
Sloths!!! One of my very favourite animals! I can't see a photograph of a sloth and not smile. I especially love three-toed sloths, those gorgeous creatures with perpetual smiles and great affection for eyeliner.
I'm a huge fan of Lucy Cooke's previous book, A Little Book of Sloth, so when I found out she had another book coming out I was jumping up and down calling, "Pick me! Pick me!"
Filled with the most adorable photos of baby sloths, adult sloths, two-toed sloths, three-toed sloths, sloths hanging out in trees, sloths in buckets and hammocks, interesting information about sloths and peace inducing quotes, I loved Life in the Sloth Lane.
Sloths teach us many things, including:
* Don't sweat the small stuff, or any stuff for that matter if you're a three-toed sloth and don't sweat at all.
* The importance of rest. They rest about 70% of the day. Now that's the life!
My favourite quote of the book is by Chade-Meng Tan:
This would make a lovely gift or coffee table book. Anyone who needs a smile should enjoy plenty while reading this book. I was ready to reach through the pages, pull out some sloths and give them all huge hugs, most likely while sitting in that super comfy looking hammock.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Workman Publishing Company for the opportunity to read this book.
I'm a huge fan of Lucy Cooke's previous book, A Little Book of Sloth, so when I found out she had another book coming out I was jumping up and down calling, "Pick me! Pick me!"
Filled with the most adorable photos of baby sloths, adult sloths, two-toed sloths, three-toed sloths, sloths hanging out in trees, sloths in buckets and hammocks, interesting information about sloths and peace inducing quotes, I loved Life in the Sloth Lane.
Sloths teach us many things, including:
* Don't sweat the small stuff, or any stuff for that matter if you're a three-toed sloth and don't sweat at all.
* The importance of rest. They rest about 70% of the day. Now that's the life!
My favourite quote of the book is by Chade-Meng Tan:
“Because inner peace and inner joy are independent of worldly circumstances, they are available to you anyplace and anytime.”
This would make a lovely gift or coffee table book. Anyone who needs a smile should enjoy plenty while reading this book. I was ready to reach through the pages, pull out some sloths and give them all huge hugs, most likely while sitting in that super comfy looking hammock.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Workman Publishing Company for the opportunity to read this book.
January 16, 2024
Jan 15, 945am ~~ My plan for reading this adorable book was to become a sloth.
I intended to read just a few pages each night, and really savor it the way the author says a sloth savors a hibiscus flower: one petal at a time.
But it was just so darned cute that I zipped through it in one sitting the first night. (Well, two sittings because I went through it twice.)
So I made up for my un-sloth-like speed by starting over the next night and going slower, really thinking about the quotations and losing myself in the little sloth faces in every picture.
The next night I read from back to front.
And this morning I flipped through it at random.
I think it is safe to say I will be keeping my sloths handy for a while. I am not ready to tuck them away onto a shelf just yet.
I intended to read just a few pages each night, and really savor it the way the author says a sloth savors a hibiscus flower: one petal at a time.
But it was just so darned cute that I zipped through it in one sitting the first night. (Well, two sittings because I went through it twice.)
So I made up for my un-sloth-like speed by starting over the next night and going slower, really thinking about the quotations and losing myself in the little sloth faces in every picture.
The next night I read from back to front.
And this morning I flipped through it at random.
I think it is safe to say I will be keeping my sloths handy for a while. I am not ready to tuck them away onto a shelf just yet.
December 26, 2021
Simply adorable & very true.
I think the sloth is my spirit animal.
A slightly more in depth review to come.
5 ⭐️
I think the sloth is my spirit animal.
A slightly more in depth review to come.
5 ⭐️
October 5, 2017
This book is officially my favourite.
If you know me, you know that sloths are one of my favourite animals. It kind of started as a joke, as in, "haha look I do nothing all day as well I'm a sloth too." But then I started really paying attention to these creatures and promptly fell in love. As someone with anxiety, I love how chill they are - it suits them completely. They don't care about your fickle problems, man, they just want to nap and eat leaves, and I think that's beautiful.
This book showcases some photographs by Lucy Cooke, who is prrrobably the most famous sloth photographer out there? She is always in charge of the official sloth calendar every year, and I've definitely seen her name and work around. These photographs are beautiful, cute, funny, and accompanied by sloth facts and quotes about mindfulness and happiness. Who knew that sloths and the Dalai Lama would make such a great combination?
Honestly, I knew this book would make me happy, and it did. If you like sloths in all forms - big sloths, baby sloths, happy sloths, sloths in buckets, snacking sloths, sleepy sloths, upside down sloths, and many more - then this book is right in your lane. (Ahhh finished with a pun there. Get it? Because the title is Life in the Sloth Lane? It's good. I am happy. It's all good.)
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy
If you know me, you know that sloths are one of my favourite animals. It kind of started as a joke, as in, "haha look I do nothing all day as well I'm a sloth too." But then I started really paying attention to these creatures and promptly fell in love. As someone with anxiety, I love how chill they are - it suits them completely. They don't care about your fickle problems, man, they just want to nap and eat leaves, and I think that's beautiful.
This book showcases some photographs by Lucy Cooke, who is prrrobably the most famous sloth photographer out there? She is always in charge of the official sloth calendar every year, and I've definitely seen her name and work around. These photographs are beautiful, cute, funny, and accompanied by sloth facts and quotes about mindfulness and happiness. Who knew that sloths and the Dalai Lama would make such a great combination?
Honestly, I knew this book would make me happy, and it did. If you like sloths in all forms - big sloths, baby sloths, happy sloths, sloths in buckets, snacking sloths, sleepy sloths, upside down sloths, and many more - then this book is right in your lane. (Ahhh finished with a pun there. Get it? Because the title is Life in the Sloth Lane? It's good. I am happy. It's all good.)
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy
November 16, 2018
Okay look I think we can all agree that I'm about the last person you'd think would be into those stupid things you find near the cash register at Barnes and Noble where like someone puts a baby in a cabbage, copies an Elizabeth Barrett Browning poem in Comic Sans over it, and calls it a book.
However.
Lucy Cooke, sloth enthusiast extraordinaire, brilliant wildlife photographer, zoologist and all around cool lady has done so much more than that with this little treasure of a book. This is a sweet, gentle read that I sat with and pondered (in a very sloth like fashion) for quite some time. Its Cooke's personal philosophy that we could all stand to be a bit more sloth like in the way we live our lives. And while she does include some words of wisdom on slowing the fuck down from a cavalcade of famous actors, writers, and artists she also includes a whole bunch of super cool sloth facts that put this far above your average bargain bin tchotchke book. This is a book that Ms. Cooke put a lot of time, love, and effort into, you can just feel it in every page.
Reading this was a wonderful way to make myself just take a break and breathe a bit. Well that and start figuring out how to convince my better half that its time to book that trip to the Costa Rican sloth sanctuary.
However.
Lucy Cooke, sloth enthusiast extraordinaire, brilliant wildlife photographer, zoologist and all around cool lady has done so much more than that with this little treasure of a book. This is a sweet, gentle read that I sat with and pondered (in a very sloth like fashion) for quite some time. Its Cooke's personal philosophy that we could all stand to be a bit more sloth like in the way we live our lives. And while she does include some words of wisdom on slowing the fuck down from a cavalcade of famous actors, writers, and artists she also includes a whole bunch of super cool sloth facts that put this far above your average bargain bin tchotchke book. This is a book that Ms. Cooke put a lot of time, love, and effort into, you can just feel it in every page.
Reading this was a wonderful way to make myself just take a break and breathe a bit. Well that and start figuring out how to convince my better half that its time to book that trip to the Costa Rican sloth sanctuary.
July 14, 2019
This is such a delightful coffee-table type book and would make a lovely gift. It’s filled with adorable sloth pictures and uplifting quotes throughout.
October 8, 2024
Cute and informative.
And as Lucy Cooke tells us: They may look like they are smiling all the time, but they do not like to be kept in small enclosures or handled by humans. If you love sloths, please respect their nature: Never try to pet or hold one (for a selfie or a hug) and support organizations that do not keep sloths captive in inappropriate conditions.
And as Lucy Cooke tells us: They may look like they are smiling all the time, but they do not like to be kept in small enclosures or handled by humans. If you love sloths, please respect their nature: Never try to pet or hold one (for a selfie or a hug) and support organizations that do not keep sloths captive in inappropriate conditions.
August 9, 2025
I love sloths and the pictures are amazing.
January 29, 2018
I love this collection of photos and quotes. It's a great book to flip through when you need some cheering up. It would make the perfect gift for any animal lover. Who doesn't love sloths?
This unbiased review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This unbiased review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
October 21, 2017
This is an enjoyable book of photographs, sloth facts, and inspirational quotes.
Sloths, of course, seem to take a very chill approach to life. They always look like they're smiling. They're never really in a hurry. Is it any wonder that people love them? This book is a reminder to, as the title says, slow down and smell the hibiscus.
I enjoyed the photos more than the inspirational quotes. The photos are just great; they're pretty relaxing and tend to lift one's mood. The inspirational quotes range from the truly thought-provoking to the cliche. The facts and trivia about sloths were interesting, and scattered through the book in just the right amount.
This would make a great addition to anyone's coffee table as a book to just flip through for a dose of happy!
Thanks to Workman Publishing Company for making this available through NetGalley for me to check out ahead of publication.
Sloths, of course, seem to take a very chill approach to life. They always look like they're smiling. They're never really in a hurry. Is it any wonder that people love them? This book is a reminder to, as the title says, slow down and smell the hibiscus.
I enjoyed the photos more than the inspirational quotes. The photos are just great; they're pretty relaxing and tend to lift one's mood. The inspirational quotes range from the truly thought-provoking to the cliche. The facts and trivia about sloths were interesting, and scattered through the book in just the right amount.
This would make a great addition to anyone's coffee table as a book to just flip through for a dose of happy!
Thanks to Workman Publishing Company for making this available through NetGalley for me to check out ahead of publication.
January 25, 2022
I’ve been in love with sloths for a long time. I would love to go to Honduras or Costa Rica and actually see one in inaction. I have a wonderful picture of one on my refrigerator and our 2022 calendar is of sloths and not hummingbirds, which is what I usually get. Photos of them never fail to put a smile on my face. I’m so glad I got this short book about sloths with short sayings and quotes encouraging people to slow down and live in the moment. There are perhaps a hundred photographs of sloths, babies and adults, in this beautiful book. I’m really glad I bought it and will remember to re-read it whenever I feel that life is going too fast for me.
March 10, 2019
I love this book! You will feel calm and serene after reading this book and gazing longingly at these gorgeous animals.
July 1, 2024
This is a book of photographs, interspersed with quotes (such as the ones below) by everyone from the Buddha to Andy Warhol, from Emily Dickinson to the Beatles. The photos are all of sloths; and, inspired by these animals, it’s all about taking your time, about savouring the moment, about just being here.
I wouldn’t call it a self-help book though; its author, Lucy Cooke, is a thoroughly down-to-earth zoologist who spent years studying (and clearly coming to love very much) these wonderfully unusual animals.
“It’s the simple things in life that are the most extraordinary.”
Sloths eat leaves and get by on 160 calories a day (equivalent to one-and-a-half slices of bread), although they do occasionally go a bit mad and treat themselves to a hibiscus flower, which they eat one petal at a time. Physically incapable of moving at more than 1 mph, they spend their days just hanging around—literally, like living hammocks. In fact though, sloths are not really “slow”; like all animals, they live at precisely the right speed for their particular way of life, which in this case means camouflage and concealment, blending in. It’s clearly a winning strategy too since they’ve been on this planet at least ten times longer than we have.
Or at least, it was a winning strategy—until we appeared on the scene. Like so many others their numbers are plummeting, mainly due to deforestation although many are also being killed by power lines and road traffic. All the sloths photographed here were rescued as orphans, their mothers having been either killed, or snatched for the pet and tourism trades.
“Let everything happen to you: beauty and terror. Just keep going.”
The photographs themselves are lovely. Sloth faces, to us, seem to be permanently smiling—like dolphins—but with sloths it’s their eyes too, which have a dreamy, faraway look, like they’re miles away.
I’ve been trying to follow their example (this review took a month and a half to write; I mean, what’s the rush?) and there are a couple more of these books out there which I…might…get round to reading. Eventually.
“You’re only here for a short visit. Don’t hurry. Don’t worry. And be sure to smell the flowers along the way.”
I wouldn’t call it a self-help book though; its author, Lucy Cooke, is a thoroughly down-to-earth zoologist who spent years studying (and clearly coming to love very much) these wonderfully unusual animals.
“It’s the simple things in life that are the most extraordinary.”
Sloths eat leaves and get by on 160 calories a day (equivalent to one-and-a-half slices of bread), although they do occasionally go a bit mad and treat themselves to a hibiscus flower, which they eat one petal at a time. Physically incapable of moving at more than 1 mph, they spend their days just hanging around—literally, like living hammocks. In fact though, sloths are not really “slow”; like all animals, they live at precisely the right speed for their particular way of life, which in this case means camouflage and concealment, blending in. It’s clearly a winning strategy too since they’ve been on this planet at least ten times longer than we have.
Or at least, it was a winning strategy—until we appeared on the scene. Like so many others their numbers are plummeting, mainly due to deforestation although many are also being killed by power lines and road traffic. All the sloths photographed here were rescued as orphans, their mothers having been either killed, or snatched for the pet and tourism trades.
“Let everything happen to you: beauty and terror. Just keep going.”
The photographs themselves are lovely. Sloth faces, to us, seem to be permanently smiling—like dolphins—but with sloths it’s their eyes too, which have a dreamy, faraway look, like they’re miles away.
I’ve been trying to follow their example (this review took a month and a half to write; I mean, what’s the rush?) and there are a couple more of these books out there which I…might…get round to reading. Eventually.
“You’re only here for a short visit. Don’t hurry. Don’t worry. And be sure to smell the flowers along the way.”
February 3, 2019
“sloths are naturally introverted creatures and are very content to be alone—they don’t need to seek out company. although they don’t mind socialization, most of their time is spent by themselves, peacefully communing with nature in their slow-moving, arboreal journey.”
never have i related to an animal more than i have a sloth.
this book was mixed with inspirational quotes, cute pictures of sloths, and information about them! i really enjoyed this short book, and i even learned something new, like how sloths organs are anchored to their rib cage so it doesn’t hurt to breathe while they’re hanging out. or, how two-toed sloths sleep all day long and then eat during the night, while three-toed sloths don’t care if the sun is shining or the moon is, they nap and eat around the clock. (personally, i relate to the three-toed sloth a hella lot)
i recommend this if you’re an animal lover like i am, or if you’re just looking for something new to learn!
never have i related to an animal more than i have a sloth.
this book was mixed with inspirational quotes, cute pictures of sloths, and information about them! i really enjoyed this short book, and i even learned something new, like how sloths organs are anchored to their rib cage so it doesn’t hurt to breathe while they’re hanging out. or, how two-toed sloths sleep all day long and then eat during the night, while three-toed sloths don’t care if the sun is shining or the moon is, they nap and eat around the clock. (personally, i relate to the three-toed sloth a hella lot)
i recommend this if you’re an animal lover like i am, or if you’re just looking for something new to learn!
October 6, 2018
Such a cute book. I'm not normally a fan of books of inspirational quotes, but it turns out that interspersing the quotes with facts about sloths changes things. Did you know that trapped wind in sloths helps then stay afloat? Fascinating! Loved it.
June 18, 2022
Loved this little book! I received it as a gift and will love to open it back up and get a chuckle or a little wisdom from time to time.
January 13, 2018
Learn the secrets to contentment from the best in the world!
Life in the Sloth Lane is a little gift book stuffed full of inspirational quotes about contentment, mindfulness, and taking life as it comes. Interspersed are dozens of pictures of that most meditative of critters- the sloth, along with lots of neat facts about them.
I adore sloths! This little beasties were made for hugging, and they seem so gentle and good-natured. You really can't look at a sloth without smiling. Who better to present these valuable life lessons? This would be a great coffee table book, or the perfect gift for any animal lover.
***Many thanks to Netgalley and Workman Publishing for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Life in the Sloth Lane is a little gift book stuffed full of inspirational quotes about contentment, mindfulness, and taking life as it comes. Interspersed are dozens of pictures of that most meditative of critters- the sloth, along with lots of neat facts about them.
I adore sloths! This little beasties were made for hugging, and they seem so gentle and good-natured. You really can't look at a sloth without smiling. Who better to present these valuable life lessons? This would be a great coffee table book, or the perfect gift for any animal lover.
***Many thanks to Netgalley and Workman Publishing for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
October 19, 2017
A wonderful book with lovely quotes about chilling out, the cutest pictures of sloths hanging around and lots of information about my favourite animals. Sloths are the perfect meditative companion and we could all learn a lot from them.
April 27, 2019
Adorable. I didn't know that I needed to see this many pictures of sloths accompanied with inspirational quotes and tidbits of sloth biology but I did. Just lovely. Sloth may just be my spirit animal.
April 8, 2018
Even though the photos are extremely cute and it’s a delight to go through the book, I was expecting a little bit more storyline behind it with some more details of these wonderful animals.
April 14, 2024
A little homework before today’s visit to Sloth Sanctuary & Wildlife Center in Puntarenas, Costa Rica! Inspirational quotes with facts interspersed between tons of cuteness overload sloth photos
Fun fact: leafy diet gives them excess gas that is used for buoyancy when swimming
Eat toxic leaves digest so slowly doesn’t poison them
Sentinel species
Acknowledgements for sloth conservation places visited for photos but no other resource materials for quotes other than author name
Fun fact: leafy diet gives them excess gas that is used for buoyancy when swimming
Eat toxic leaves digest so slowly doesn’t poison them
Sentinel species
Acknowledgements for sloth conservation places visited for photos but no other resource materials for quotes other than author name
Read
September 4, 2019That was adorable.
Read
January 31, 2026Very cute.
February 12, 2023
Very cute. Great coffee table read. Inspirational and informative.
December 31, 2024
This is filled with adorable sloth photos and quotes about slowing down. There’s also sloth facts throughout.
September 18, 2018
Recommended by Chris S.
A lovely, lovely book of outstanding sloth photos, fascinating sloth facts, and uplifting words of wisdom.
A lovely, lovely book of outstanding sloth photos, fascinating sloth facts, and uplifting words of wisdom.
January 16, 2018
Life in the Sloth Lane: Slow Down and Smell the Hibiscus is a gem! It's impossible to read this book and not be happy at the end. If you want to feel good - sit down with this book!
Beautiful photography of two and three toed sloths of all ages, doing all sorts of things, with the ever-present smile on their faces are joined with fascinating facts about sloths (who knew?!?) and well-chosen quotes about patience, living in the moment, the value of slowing down make for a sure hit.
With quotes by Winston Churchill, Walt Whitman and the Dalai Lama included among others, you can tell your friends you're reading it for the wisdom it imparts instead of the joyful, happy feeling you get from looking at these cute animals.
Loved it!! And STILL smiling!
Many many thanks to NetGalley and Workman Publishing for providing me with an e-ARC of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own. (And yes, I'm STILL smiling!!)
Beautiful photography of two and three toed sloths of all ages, doing all sorts of things, with the ever-present smile on their faces are joined with fascinating facts about sloths (who knew?!?) and well-chosen quotes about patience, living in the moment, the value of slowing down make for a sure hit.
With quotes by Winston Churchill, Walt Whitman and the Dalai Lama included among others, you can tell your friends you're reading it for the wisdom it imparts instead of the joyful, happy feeling you get from looking at these cute animals.
Loved it!! And STILL smiling!
Many many thanks to NetGalley and Workman Publishing for providing me with an e-ARC of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own. (And yes, I'm STILL smiling!!)
April 25, 2018
Adorable and relaxing!
Thanks to NetGalley and Workman Publishing for the opportunity to read and review Life in the Sloth Lane by Lucy Cooke! The book is full of wonderful photographs of sloths, that look like they’re smiling, naturally interspersed with appropriate and meaningful quotes and sloth facts. One of my favorite quotes from the book, “Surrender to what is. Let go of what was. Have faith in what will be." -Sonia Ricotti. Another quote I love- “The universe is full of magical things patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper." -Eden Phillpotts. Profound wisdom! I smiled through the entire reading of this book and I’m sure my heart rate slowed to relaxation mode- adorable and inspiring! 5 stars !
Thanks to NetGalley and Workman Publishing for the opportunity to read and review Life in the Sloth Lane by Lucy Cooke! The book is full of wonderful photographs of sloths, that look like they’re smiling, naturally interspersed with appropriate and meaningful quotes and sloth facts. One of my favorite quotes from the book, “Surrender to what is. Let go of what was. Have faith in what will be." -Sonia Ricotti. Another quote I love- “The universe is full of magical things patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper." -Eden Phillpotts. Profound wisdom! I smiled through the entire reading of this book and I’m sure my heart rate slowed to relaxation mode- adorable and inspiring! 5 stars !
October 14, 2017
Beautiful, laugh out loud images + thoughtful insights. This is a very funny way to drive the point of slowing down home. A fantastic gift for both "slow"-lovers and perfectionists in the fast lane. And a wonderful coffee table book for yourself. The included quotes are ... let's say, "well used" ... I have read almost all of them elsewhere and sometimes it doesn't make too much sense to rip a single line from a song ... but none of that matters, the text is just the excuse for the adorable pictures. Didn't know there where so many different kinds of sloths (curly haired, tall ones ...). This book will put a smile on your face for sure!
March 7, 2022
This was a light read mixed with fun and good advice illustrated by cool pictures of, go figure, sloths. Sloths have unique habits. My wife and I read this book together. Sloths are getting to be quite popular with people for their laid-back life style and just cute enough to be adored by someone not looking for the ferocity of a pit bull or the beauty of an okapi. I enjoyed this book for the fact that it is a LIGHT read. A lot of times, I don't like to read long periods of time to get to the climax and being "tied" down with a long book with a lot of different whacks at getting it done.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews