If the year so far has demonstrated anything, it is the importance of practicing mindfulness, developing coping mechanisms, and indulging in self-care. Whether it’s meditation, yoga, or simply making time for the things that make us happy, being mindful of our emotional and mental wellbeing is key to being fulfilled in life. Children of all ages can benefit from mindfulness techniques to help reduce stress, focus on their thoughts, and unpack their emotions. Fortunately, there are plenty of books to introduce them to mindfulness at various ages and stages.<\/p>\n
Here are 16 books that will help younger kids learn how to slow down, focus on their breathing, and become more mindful of big emotions swirling around inside them.<\/p>\n
no no 9780593119877 Mindfulness Moments for Kids: Hot Cocoa Calm<\/i> by Kira Willey, illustrated by Anni Betts <\/p>\n
Introduce your child to the concept of using their breath to regulate emotions with this book about mindfulness. Simple exercises, colorful artwork, adorable animal characters, and a sturdy board book format make it perfect for young children.
\n(Ages 0 – 3)<\/i><\/p>\n
9780593182161 Elmo Is Mindful (Sesame Street)<\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/645710\/elmo-is-mindful-sesame-street-by-random-house-illustrated-by-joe-mathieu\/9780593182161 by Random House, illustrated by Joe Mathieu <\/p>\n
Everyone could use a little help being more mindful, so Elmo is on a mission to help his Sesame Street friends – and the kids in your life – stay calm and focused. Sometimes it’s hard to control our emotions, and this book offers tips for preschoolers on what to do when they’re scared, angry, overwhelmed, and more.
\n(Ages 2 – 5)<\/i> <\/p>\n
9781536218046 Sometimes, All I Need Is Me<\/i> by Juliana Perdomo <\/p>\n
You\u2019re never too little to learn about self-care and mindfulness. This gorgeous picture book celebrates the comforts of home and shows young readers how to find courage and strength within themselves. Bold colors and symmetrical illustrations make this charming story even more reassuring.
\n(Ages 2 – 5)<\/i><\/p>\n
9780399256028 You Are a Lion! And Other Fun Yoga Poses<\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/308296\/you-are-a-lion-by-taeeun-yoo\/ by Taeeun Yoo <\/p>\n
With its bright, cheerful illustrations and playful storytelling style, You Are a Lion<\/i> is a great way to introduce your children to the benefits of yoga. Featuring a host of kid-friendly poses, You Are a Lion!<\/i> inspires imaginative play as children learn both stretching and breathing techniques that encourage focus, calm, and \u2014 most importantly \u2014 fun.
\n(Ages 3 \u2013 5)<\/i><\/p>\n
9781524792183 Calm with The Very Hungry Caterpillar<\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/600480\/calm-with-the-very-hungry-caterpillar-by-eric-carle\/ by Eric Carle <\/p>\n
The Very Hungry Caterpillar<\/i><\/a>, Eric Carle\u2019s most beloved creation, has been charming children for over half a century. Join everyone\u2019s favorite caterpillar on a simple and engaging journey towards relaxation. With simple coping mechanisms and breathing strategies brought to life in Carle\u2019s distinctive collage-style artwork, Calm with The Very Hungry Caterpillar<\/i> is the perfect way to help little ones on their mindfulness journey. 9780735229358 The Rabbit Listened<\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/552119\/the-rabbit-listened-by-cori-doerrfeld\/ by Cori Doerrfeld <\/p>\n This endearing tale of empathy and kindness is an ideal way to illustrate the value of simply listening and providing comfort. When something sad happens, Taylor turns to his animal friends for comfort. As each takes a turn telling Taylor what he should be doing, Taylor realizes this isn\u2019t what he needs. It is only when he encounters a rabbit that Taylor realizes sometimes having someone simply listen to you is all the comfort and healing one needs. 9780593484234 The Little Book of Joy<\/i> by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, illustrated by Rafael L\u00f3pez <\/p>\n His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu share their childhood stories in this stunning picture book. Through their experiences, readers learn that they can find joy within themselves even in troubled times. When shared with others, it can change the world. Beautiful artwork and an empowering message make this book a must-have. 9780593196878 Mindfulness Activities for Kids (And Their Grown-ups)<\/i> by Sally Arnold <\/p>\n There is no better time to explore mindfulness practices with your kids. This book has over 40 activities designed for parents and children to do together. You\u2019ll develop a deeper relationship with your child and cultivate valuable mindfulness skills as you work through them. 9780823441648 A Quieter Story<\/i> by Liza Woodruff <\/p>\n Getting to know yourself, your limits, and recognizing what you need are essential skills for everyone. In this cute book, a little girl writes a story about her kitten, who demands more thrills and chills than he can handle. He needs a quieter story to calm his nerves and help him settle down. 9781623368838 Breathe Like a Bear<\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/593741\/breathe-like-a-bear-by-kira-willey-illustrated-by-anni-betts\/9781623368838 by Kira Willey, illustrated by Anni Betts <\/p>\n These 30 breathing exercises are perfect for kids who are on the go. Incorporating these practices into their daily routines can be beneficial to their overall mindfulness. This charming book is delightfully illustrated so kids will eagerly follow along as everyone takes a moment to breathe. 9780593621523 Meanwhile Back on Earth…<\/i> by Oliver Jeffers <\/p>\n From the beloved creator of the bestselling books Here We Are<\/i><\/a> and What We\u2019ll Build<\/i><\/a> comes another heartfelt picture book about finding your place in the universe. Through Oliver Jeffers\u2019s unique perspective, readers take a step back from Earth and the universe, seeing them with fresh eyes. If you\u2019re interested in reading books about mindfulness, this is an excellent place to start. 9780735227934 My Heart <\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/546338\/my-heart-by-corinna-luyken\/ by Corinna Luyken <\/p>\n This beautifully-rendered picture book is all about recognizing the power of the heart and the importance of kindness and empathy. Featuring an engaging and recurring rhyming structure, My Heart<\/i> is a study in the complexity of our emotions. A wonderful lesson in growing more in tune with your own feelings, it will help children learn how to deal with the multitude of human emotions. 9780593386859 Alex Can’t Sleep<\/i> by Brooke Vitale, illustrated by Junissa Bianda <\/p>\n Just the right amount of movement can help kids go to sleep easier. In this story, a young boy named Alex has difficulty settling down after a rotten day. With help from his mom and a few yoga poses, Alex relaxes and finally drifts off to sleep. This interactive story is perfect for kids who want to add yoga to their bedtime routine. 9781611807479 Sit with Me<\/i> by Carolyn Kanjuro, illustrated by Nan Lawson <\/p>\n Teach your child how to meditate with the easy-to-follow instructions in this adorable picture book. The rhyming text and cute animal characters will have your kids meditating like pros in no time. 9780525555148 The Seed of Compassion<\/i> by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, illustrated by Bao Luu <\/p>\n Before he was a great leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama was an ordinary child. Growing up in Tibet, his mother taught him the importance of kindness, and now he passes that wisdom on to the littlest readers. With simple\u2013yet powerful\u2013text, the Dalai Lama shares the universalist teachings of treating one another with compassion. 9781465470904 Calm: Mindfulness for Kids<\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/567369\/calm-mindfulness-for-kids-by-wynne-kinder\/9781465470904\/ by Wynne Kinder <\/p>\n Developing the ability to focus and understand our thoughts and feelings is an important life skill, one that can be slightly challenging to teach children. Calm: Mindfulness for Kids<\/i> features a host of fun activities to help your child begin a mindfulness journey. It is a fun and engaging way to help children focus on their thoughts and feelings so they can better interpret the world around them. Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2020 and updated in 2022.<\/small><\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" These 16 books will help younger kids learn how to slow down, focus on their breathing, and become more mindful of big emotions swirling around inside them.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":62,"featured_media":16181,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[245,377,878,1199],"coauthors":[1026],"class_list":["post-15805","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-health","tag-feelings","tag-mental-health","tag-emotions","ages_stages-baby-toddler","ages_stages-pre-k","ages_stages-growing-reader"],"yoast_head":"\n
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