In today’s post, I am sharing with you this carefully curated collection of mindfulness books for kids. Mindfulness, a practice rooted in being fully present and engaged in the moment, without judgment, is not just beneficial for adults. It’s equally valuable for children, helping them navigate the complexities of their emotions, enhance their concentration, and cultivate a sense of inner calm.
Each book in this selection has been chosen for its unique approach to introducing mindfulness to young minds through stories, exercises, and illustrations that are both engaging and educational. From playful adventures with familiar characters to practical guides filled with easy-to-follow exercises, these books offer a range of ways to introduce the concepts of mindfulness and meditation to children.
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Mindfulness Books for Kids
Whether you’re a parent looking to support your child’s emotional development, a teacher seeking resources for the classroom, or simply exploring mindfulness practices for kids, this collection promises to be a valuable resource.
1. Mindful Monkey, Happy Panda, by Lauren Alderfer
In “Mindful Monkey, Happy Panda,” Lauren Alderfer masterfully introduces the concept of mindfulness to young readers through the engaging tale of Monkey and Happy Panda. As Monkey learns to embrace the moment, thanks to Panda’s gentle guidance, children and adults alike are taught the joy of being present in whatever they do. This picture book communicates a powerful message that mindfulness is accessible to everyone, at any moment.
2. Visiting Feelings, by Lauren J. Rubenstein JD PsyD
“Visiting Feelings” by Lauren J. Rubenstein invites young readers into a world where emotions are not just feelings to be had but experiences to be explored with curiosity and openness. This award-winning book encourages children to welcome all their feelings with acceptance, facilitating a journey of self-exploration and emotional intelligence. Through its lyrical prose and a gentle nudge towards mindfulness, Rubenstein offers a unique lens for children to view their emotions, emphasizing the importance of being present and accepting of whatever arises.
3. Moody Cow Meditates, by Kerry Lee MacLean
Kerry Lee MacLean’s “Moody Cow Meditates” is a vibrantly illustrated and compelling story that introduces children to meditation and mindfulness as tools to deal with frustration and anger. Following a day filled with mishaps, Peter, labeled as Moody Cow by his peers, discovers the transformative power of meditation through the wisdom of his grandfather. This engaging narrative not only entertains but also educates, providing a practical meditation exercise for its young readers.
4. Anh’s Anger, by Gail Silver
“Anh’s Anger” by Gail Silver is an insightful exploration into managing anger through mindfulness and self-reflection. This story of a young boy, Anh, who learns to sit with and understand his anger with his grandfather’s help, provides a tangible practice for children dealing with difficult emotions. Silver, through this first book in a meaningful trilogy, offers a way for children to externalize and converse with their anger, facilitating a healthy emotional release. The unique and engaging illustrations further capture the essence of Anh’s journey, making this book a valuable tool for parents and educators seeking to teach kids about the complexities of emotions and the power of mindfulness.
5. Mindful Me: Mindfulness and Meditation for Kids, by Whitney Stewart
In “Mindful Me: Mindfulness and Meditation for Kids,” Whitney Stewart presents a hands-on guide to mindfulness tailored specifically for children facing the challenges of growing up. This book, filled with over thirty exercises for breathing, relaxation, and guided meditation, empowers kids to handle stress, navigate their emotions, and overcome personal obstacles with mindfulness. Stewart’s approachable writing, complemented by Stacy Peterson’s illustrations, makes mindfulness practice both accessible and engaging for young readers.
6. Sit with Me: Meditation for Kids in Seven Easy Steps, by Carolyn Kanjuro
“Sit with Me” by Carolyn Kanjuro serves as a delightful introduction to meditation for children, using playful rhymes and charming illustrations to describe the seven-point meditation posture. Through the character of Justa Bug, kids are guided from head to toe in a friendly, accessible manner, learning to adopt a posture conducive to meditation. This book breaks down the practice of meditation into simple, engaging steps, encouraging children to explore mindfulness and meditation in a joyful way. It’s a fantastic resource for parents and educators looking to introduce meditation practices to children, offering a fun, engaging approach to mindfulness that children can easily grasp and enjoy.
7. Calm with The Very Hungry Caterpillar, by Eric Carle
Eric Carle’s “Calm with The Very Hungry Caterpillar” brings the beloved character back to share the gift of mindfulness with young readers. This beautifully illustrated book leads children through a journey of self-awareness and mindfulness, teaching them to manage their emotions through simple breathing exercises. Carle’s familiar art and gentle guidance make this book a perfect tool for introducing young minds to the concept of mindfulness, helping them learn to navigate their emotions and find peace in moments of distress.
8. Sitting Still Like a Frog: Mindfulness Exercises for Kids, by Eline Snel
Eline Snel’s “Sitting Still Like a Frog” provides a practical and engaging introduction to mindfulness for children and their parents. With simple exercises and a 60-minute audio CD of guided meditations, Snel offers tools for managing anxiety, improving concentration, and handling difficult emotions. This book is designed to help children develop a mindful awareness of the present moment, offering a collection of mindfulness-based practices that are both accessible and appealing. Snel’s approach, supported by anecdotes and examples, makes mindfulness relatable for children, encouraging them to embrace calmness, focus, and emotional resilience.
9. Breathe Like a Bear: 30 Mindful Moments for Kids, by Kira Willey
Kira Willey’s “Breathe Like a Bear” is a treasure trove of mindfulness exercises for children, presented in a beautifully illustrated book that can be used anywhere, anytime. These 30 simple practices are designed to help kids learn to manage their emotions, body, and breath, enhancing their focus, calmness, and energy. Whether it’s during a car ride or in the classroom, Willey’s exercises are a fun and effective way to introduce kids to mindfulness, encouraging them to explore and practice mindfulness in their daily lives.
10. Listening to My Body, by Gabi Garcia
Gabi Garcia’s “Listening to My Body” is an interactive and engaging book that empowers children to understand and express their emotions through the connection between physical sensations and feelings. Through a series of “Let’s Practice” activities, children are encouraged to develop a vocabulary for their sensations, aiding in emotional regulation. This book is a vital tool for teaching kids the foundational skills of tuning into their bodies and recognizing their emotional states, providing a practical approach to self-awareness and mindfulness.
11. My Magic Breath: Finding Calm Through Mindful Breathing, by Nick Ortner and Alison Taylor
“My Magic Breath” by Nick Ortner and Alison Taylor is an enchanting picture book that introduces children to the power of mindful breathing as a tool for finding calmness and managing emotions. Through interactive prompts, children are invited to engage with their breath to transform feelings of anger or sadness into peace and happiness. This book combines beautiful illustrations with simple, effective exercises that help children discover the ‘magic’ of their breath, making it a valuable resource for teaching mindfulness and emotional regulation. Ideal for classroom or bedtime reading, it encourages children to embrace mindfulness in a fun and accessible way.
12. I Am Peace: A Book of Mindfulness, by Susan Verde
Susan Verde’s “I Am Peace” is a lyrical exploration of mindfulness, encouraging children to find peace in the present moment. Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds, this book captures the essence of mindfulness as a path to self-awareness, empathy, and appreciation for the natural world. Through gentle narrative and captivating illustrations, children are guided to understand mindfulness as a means of managing their thoughts and emotions, fostering a sense of peace and connectedness.
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Final thoughts
I hope you’ve found this collection of mindfulness books for kids as inspiring and useful as I intended. Mindfulness is a powerful tool, one that can offer children the skills to face life’s challenges with grace and resilience. Each book selected offers its own unique approach, providing parents, educators, and children themselves with accessible paths to cultivating mindfulness.
