Though children may be little, their emotions are anything but. From screeches of joy to far less happy screaming, kids are famous for giving us all a demonstration of the full range of human emotion. To be fair, though, life is hard when you’re still figuring out emotional maturity! It’s not easy learning to share, or having things not go your way when that’s what you’re used to. Kids are still experiencing many of life’s challenges for the first time — so let’s give them the tools they need to do so.
Luckily, there are more resources every day to help your child grasp the concept of mindfulness. These lessons are essential for children’s emotional growth — and the earlier they start, the sooner they can have these skills to practice in daily life. Of course, it also doesn’t hurt for parents to read through some of these primers on relaxation and self-soothing, too.
Whether you’re looking for a children’s guide to self-reflection or a story that encourages them to consider other people’s experiences and the world around them, these books can help your little reader blossom in the art of mindfulness.
We All Play by Julie Flett
Named a Best Children’s Book of the Year by The New York Times, Washington Post and Kirkus Reviews, along with countless others, Julie Flett’s We All Play has received such accolades for good reason. This story combines delicate illustrations and tender prose to showcase the magic of play, both in the animal world and in children’s lives. The book draws comparisons to “birds who chase and chirp, bears who wiggle and wobble” and children who do the same, proclaiming, “kimêtawânaw mîna — we play too!”
Through their similar play, we see how connected children are to other living creatures on this planet, and how we all are connected to nature itself. And along with its prose, the book also includes a glossary full of Cree words for the wild animals that grace its pages. Aimed for readers up to 7 years old, We All Play now has a board book version as well, ensuring that every child can experience the fun and learn to have gratitude for the world around us.
Sometimes, All I Need Is Me by Juliana Perdomo
An Ezra Jack Keats Honor Book, this delightful read gives an excellent example of practicing both mindfulness and self-care in the face of anxiety. Our young protagonist loves the coziness of her home, a place full of cinnamon scent that “feels like warm pajamas.” But whether she’s on a camping trip or a sleepover, when the night is dark and cold, the girl knows that comfort doesn’t have to be so far away. “When I’m away and everything is different,” she tells us, “I become my own home, where I feel calm.” She knows that, by recalling the comfort of home in her mind’s eye, the darkness can be easily beaten; by closing her eyes and picturing the sun, its light and warmth chase all the shadows of uncertainty away.
With its colorful, eye-catching illustrations and close first-person narration, this book perfectly demonstrates how readers can implement the very same coping mechanism in their own lives. “I can love myself and become what I need,” the young protagonist assures herself, projecting positivity and confidence. “Sometimes, all I really need is me.”
You Are More Than: A Primer for Finding the Light in Your Heart by Amy L. Stark Ph.D., illustrated by Moran Reudor
Another winner on this list, You Are More Than recently received the 2024 Silver award in the children’s book category of the prestigious Nautilus Book Awards — and it’s no surprise why. This warm-hearted and empathic read encourages us to reflect upon ourselves and be of service to our community, perfectly reflecting the Nautilus motto of “better books for a better world.”
The storybook’s soft illustrations teach young readers how to reflect upon themselves and the world around them, and gentle prose gives a clear example of forming connections with family, friends and fellow peers. The book encapsulates several integral lessons that are important cornerstones of children’s emotional maturity — not surprising, given that the author is a clinical psychologist with experience in treating children. Filled with positive affirmations and wise guidance, You Are More Than shows children that whatever aspects of life peer pressure and societal expectations may tell them are important — deep down, those pale in comparison to what truly makes someone who they are.
Read our full review of You Are More Than here, as well as an interview with the author herself.
Here and Now by Julia Denos, illustrated by E. B. Goodale
For the very littlest of readers, Here and Now helps get them started on a path to mindfulness with a head start. Aimed for children ages 0-2, this book has been compared to a modern-day Goodnight Moon — soothing little minds and encouraging them to cast their awareness outside of themselves in an easy, accessible way. While the narrative first starts with reflecting what the reader is doing at this current point in time — reading, of course — it zooms out to capture moments from other people’s perspectives, going out as far as outer space. “Somewhere,” Here and Now shares, “a phone is ringing, a baby is growing, and the earth is spinning in space. Even you are changing and growing in remarkable ways.” With its remarkable skill of implementing wisdom beyond young readers’ years in a way they can still grasp, this charming book gets a starred review from Kirkus, Publishers Weekly and, of course, from us.
No One But You by Douglas Wood, illustrated by P.J. Lynch
For readers a little older (ages 6 and up, to be exact), No One But You teaches a similar lesson to Here and Now but focuses on the unique sensory experiences of every individual on our planet. Christopher Medal-winning author Douglas Wood deftly captures specific sensations that we encounter: the buzzing of a bee, the taste of a ripe strawberry, the gentle brush of rain. Rather than taking readers out of their own heads, No One But You grounds them into the reality, validating the unique specialness of their existence, simply because it is their own. The lyrical writing also encourages children to relish these moments in the future, setting up the stepping stones for future moments of mindfulness and consideration. No One But You undoubtedly makes for an engaging storytime, as children will find the poetic descriptions of sensation familiar, and will be eager to share their own experiences, from the feeling of dirt between their fingers to the ocean’s frothing sea foam. You’re welcome for finding your next bedtime story read — just don’t be surprised if your child keeps coming back to it again and again.
Balloon Breath by Amanda Given, illustrated by Polina Hrytskova
What children’s book author would certainly know about mindfulness? One who’s also a yoga teacher! Along with being a children’s speech pathologist, author Amanda Given serves as a yoga instructor to children, teens and tweens, and these career paths have led her to a vital lesson she hopes to share with readers both young and old.
Balloon Breath shows the not-always-glamorous but equally important side of mindfulness: the frustration that often signals the need for a moment of self-reflection and relaxation. Two young siblings have been struggling to see eye-to-eye all day, and protagonist Lonnie is fed up. But when his babysitter teaches him how to take a “balloon breath,” Lonnie finds some peace within himself, enough to calm himself down. The book shows children that anger and frustration are parts of everyday life, and that there are healthy ways to deal with them. Outright positivity isn’t something we can master 100% of the time, no matter how emotionally mature we may be — but with mindfulness, we can strive to have patience and compassion for ourselves, as well as those around us.
Read our full review of Balloon Breath, along with its accompanying author interview.
