Mindfulness is a popular word right now, but many of us are unsure of exactly what it means and how to explain it to children. One practical explanation is that mindfulness is taking notice of how your body is feeling, and the senses of seeing, tasting and smell.
Mindfulness is a great skill for all ages, but can prove especially challenging for children who are still learning to regulate their feelings and body. The holidays can be a difficult time with lots of stress, so hopefully these books will be useful for the entire family.
By Michelle Halber, children’s librarian, Davis branch, Montgomery County Public Libraries
BABY, TODDLER AND PRESCHOOL
“Mindfulness moments for kids: Hot Cocoa Calm”
by Kira Willey, illustrated by Anni Betts
This board book introduction to mindfulness shows readers how to take control of their emotions and breathe their way to calm.
“Yoga Baby”
by Amy Hovey
Yoga is one way to practice mindfulness, and this engaging board book with vibrant photographs shows grown-ups that babies can do yoga before they can even walk!
“The ABC’s of Calm: Discover Mindfulness from A-Z”
by Rose Rossner and Brooke Backsen, illustrated by AndoTwin
Finding your calm is as easy as A, B, C with this alphabet board book.
“Frederick”
written and illustrated by Leo Lionni
Frederick shows his family the importance of gathering memories and sun for the cold dark days of winter.
“Charlie Makes a Splash!”
by Holly Robinson Peete and RJ Peete, illustrated by Shane W. Evans
Charlie, a boy with autism, explains how water—whether in a pool, a tub or in the aquarium—is like a warm hug, which settles him down and calms his mind, allowing him to focus and cope.
“I am Peace: A Book of Mindfulness”
by Susan Verde, illustrated by Peter R. Reynolds
A child starts to get carried away with worry and rushing thoughts before taking a breath, steadying, observing thoughts and experiencing the world.
EARLY ELEMENTARY
“Ms. Jo-Jo is a Yo-Yo”
by Dan Gutman, illustrated by Jim Paillot
Part of the popular My Weirder-est School series, this silly tale has Ms. Jo-Jo coming to help the kids relax before a big test. Perhaps she does her job too well?
“Rocket Ship Yoga: An Out-of-This-World Kids Yoga Journey for Breathing, Relaxing and Mindfulness”
by Bari Koral
Through breathing exercises, “Rocket Ship Yoga” helps children learn how to practice mindfulness to calm their minds and manage their body and emotions.
“Soccer Struggle”
by Jake Maddox
When Liv Sutcliffe’s hair-trigger temper gets her tossed off her soccer team, she realizes that she has to do something about her anger issues, so she takes a class in mindfulness—but will her efforts at anger management be successful?
“Calm Mindfulness for Kids”
by Wynne Kinder
This book shares mindfulness activities that teach children how to focus their thoughts and pay attention to one moment at a time, including breathing exercises, moving the body to unwind stress and taking a walk in the woods.
“Sometimes I am Hot Lava”
by Jody Jensen Shaffer, illustrated by Amelie Videlo
Buddy learns how to manage feelings of anger and frustration through mindful breathing techniques.
“Breathe Like a Bear: 30 Mindful Moments for Kids to Feel Calm and Focused Anytime, Anywhere”
by Kira Willey, illustrated by Anni Betts
We all want to feel more focused and positive. Mindfulness is the key to making it happen. “Breathe Like a Bear” guides us through fun exercises to help us relax.
UPPER ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE SCHOOL & HIGH SCHOOL
“Just Feel: How to Be Stronger, Happier, Healthier, and More”
by Mallika Chopra, illustrated by Brenna Vaughan
This book is a great way to introduce tweens and teens to the building blocks of mindfulness, resilience and grit.
“Project You: More Than 50 Ways to Calm Down, De-Stress, and Feel Great”
by Aubre Andrus and Karen Bluth
Find your balance. Become stronger. This book shares more than 50 do-right-now projects that will help you beat stress, smile big and discover a calmer you.
“Be Mindful & Stress Less: 50 Ways to Deal with Your (Crazy) Life”
by Gina M. Biegel
These simple mindfulness practices for teens build self-esteem, grow compassion
and reduce stress.
“The Mindful Teen: Powerful Skills to Help You Handle Stress One Moment at a Time”
by Dzung X. Vo
This book presents mindfulness techniques to help teens deal
with stress in healthy ways, improve communication and reduce conflicts with family
and friends.
