Mindfulness helps build self-awareness, awareness of others, and awareness of the world. It\u2019s about being fully present, paying close attention to the moment we\u2019re in. The benefits of mindfulness are numerous. Not just for us but for our kids as well. A mindfulness practice helps alleviate stress, worry, and anger, and improves focus and sleep. Here are some\u00a0wonderful children\u2019s books to introduce mindfulness and meditation\u00a0to kids.<\/p>\n
no no 9780823442676 Look and Be Grateful<\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/591514\/look-and-be-grateful-by-written-and-illustrated-by-tomie-depaola\/9780823442676\/ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Tomie dePaola <\/p>\n
Tomie DePaola\u2019s signature aesthetic \u2014 soft lines filled in with gentle colors \u2014 pairs dreamily with this quiet celebration of gratitude for the present moment. From the minute he wakes up to a new day, a young boy takes notice of the simple but profound beauties around him: a rising sun, a tiny ladybug, a ripe orange, and so much more.
\n(Ages 0 \u2013 3)<\/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\/9781524792183\/ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Eric Carle <\/p>\n
What better way to learn new habits than with a beloved character? In Calm with The Very Hungry Caterpillar<\/i>, Eric Carle\u2019s familiar creations return to help kids and parents remember to pause, take a breath, and get in touch with their feelings. Simple text and Carle\u2019s trademark illustrations work together to gently communicate stress-reduction techniques and encourage self-expression for even the youngest of readers.
\n(Ages 3 \u2013 5)<\/i><\/p>\n
9780399256028 You Are a Lion!<\/i> http:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/308296\/you-are-a-lion-and-other-fun-yoga-poses-by-tae-eun-yoo-illustrated-by-tae-eun-yoo\/9780399256028ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Taeeun Yoo <\/p>\n
Yoga practice is about being mindful, present to your body and its movements. Kids will learn basic yoga in this cheerful book that turns the yoga poses into animal movements. Whether a lion, cat, snake, butterfly, or something else, it\u2019s fun to pretend to be animals \u2014 it not only benefits a child\u2019s focus and range of motion but also his imagination.
\n(Ages 3 \u2013 5)<\/i><\/p>\n
9781984893970 Deep Breaths<\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/605822\/deep-breaths-by-carol-thompson\/9781984893970\/ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Carol Thompson <\/p>\n
Mindfulness has countless individual benefits, of course, but it\u2019s also a helpful skill when it comes to having empathy for and getting along with others, even when things don\u2019t go our way. Carol Thompson\u2019s Deep Breaths<\/i> centers on best friends Dolly and Jack, who get into a giant argument and cycle through a whole slew of feelings. But with mindfulness and breathwork, Dolly and Jack figure out how to manage their emotions and come back together.
\n(Ages 3 \u2013 7)<\/i><\/p>\n
9781941529447 Puppy Mind<\/i> http:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/541392\/puppy-mind-by-andrew-jordan-nance\/9781941529447\/ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Andrew Jordan Nance, illustrated by Jim Durk <\/p>\n
Buddhist monks describe it as a monkey mind, but I love this puppy brain analogy even more, especially for kids. Just like a puppy, our minds can wander to the future or dig up memories from the past. And just like yelling doesn\u2019t work for training a puppy, neither does it work for calming our minds. But, if we take three deep breaths, it\u2019s like giving our puppy brain a treat that helps us enjoy the present moment. This book is spot-on for introducing mindfulness and breath.
\n(Ages 3 \u2013 7)<\/i><\/p>\n
9781635650464 Meddy Teddy<\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/592554\/meddy-teddy-by-apple-jordan\/9781635650464\/ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Apple Jordan, illustrated by Nicholas Hong <\/p>\n
Before he became the star of his own book, Meddy Teddy was something of an Instagram sensation. The yoga pants-wearing, bendable teddy bear can hold virtually any yoga pose, and in this cheerful picture book, Meddy introduces young readers and their families to multiple poses, until they can confidently complete the whole sequence on their own. Meddy also teaches his forest friends how to approach life\u2019s snafus with mindfulness. It\u2019s an ideal resource for integrating yoga and mindfulness into your family\u2019s busy routines.
\n(Ages 4 \u2013 8)<\/i><\/p>\n
9781623173890 May All People and Pigs Be Happy<\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/606714\/may-all-people-and-pigs-be-happy-by-micki-fine-pavlicek-and-john-pavlicek\/9781623173890\/ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Micki Fine Pavlicek, illustrated by John Pavlicek <\/p>\n
Claire\u2019s stuffed-animal friend Pigalina teaches her a simple meditation to help her cultivate compassion and goodwill for herself and all living creatures. From the Buddhist tradition, the loving-kindness meditation is adaptable and open to all; it\u2019s also a popular self-care technique noted in reducing stress. As one Texas-based head of school wrote, \u201cThis book has the power to change the world, one heart at a time.\u201d
\n(Ages 4 \u2013 8)<\/i><\/p>\n
9780399186615 Meditate with Me<\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/536290\/meditate-with-me-by-mariam-gates-illustrated-by-margarita-surnaite\/9780399186615\/ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Mariam Gates <\/p>\n