My daughter and I do a lot of reading together. Of course, as a meditation teacher I’m always looking for children’s books that teach mindfulness. I have a wealth of knowledge around mindfulness, meditation and yoga to share, that said what I love about these books is that they break it down into bite size pieces.
When the teachings are short and digestible everyone can benefit from them! So without further ado, here are our favourite 6 children’s books that teach mindfulness.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE PRESENT?
Written by Rana DiOrio & Illustrated by Eliza Wheeler. The illustrations in this title are so colourful and beautiful that it makes it a joy to read for all aged children. With short, simple sentences this book provides children with simple, practical ways to practice being present in their day-to-day lives. ISBN# 9781338232295 Shop for What Does It Mean to Be Present?
PEACE IS AN OFFERING
This book is written by Annette Lebox & Illustrated by Stephanie Graegin.
I found this book through my daughter’s Scholastic Book Ordering Program two years ago, and was really excited about it. This ease to read poem is about finding love and peace in every day things like a peach, and a trip to the beach. My favourite part of this book is towards the end though, when it talks about looking for light in the face of tragedy, and reminds us to look for pockets of peace in our own neighbourhood and community.
ISBN# 9780803740914
I AM PEACE: A BOOK OF MINDFULNESS
Authored by Susan Verde, Illustration by Peter H. Reynolds. These two have created a series of books such as “I am Human” and “I am Yoga”. We love all of them. The bright water colour illustrations and grounding words made this an instant hit with my daughter. It’s an easy read for young reader while promoting communication, empathy and presence.
ISBN# 1419731521
FINDING OM
Written by Rashmi Bismark, MD MPH, Illustrated by Morgan Huff I am ALWAYS on the look for children’s books that teach mindfulness, but when they also have representation of children of colour I get REALLY excited. When I saw this book available for pre-order on Instagram via Mango and Marigold Press I made sure to order it right away! Mango & Marigold publishes books the centre the South Asian experience, but this book is about a Black and South Asian mixed girl who discovers the meaning of Om as she explores her family’s culture and spirituality.
As a Black yogini, how could I not?
ISBN# 1645433870
A HANDFUL OF QUIET: HAPPINESS IN FOUR PEBBLES
Written by Thich Nhat Hanh, illustrated by Wietske Vriezen.
A Handful of Quiet is a really lovely book by Zen teacher Thich Nhat Hanh. I own and have read a number of his books over the years. This simple activity book offers easy to follow practices in mindfulness for school aged children.
ISBN# 1937006212
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE KIND?
Another book is written by Rana DiOrio. This one is illustrated by Stephane Jorisch.
I love this resource. With simple easy-to-read sentences and cute little pictures this book makes teaching kindness to young children a treat. We really enjoyed reading this title aloud as my daughter learned to read, and she even brought it to school to read to her peers.
ISBN# 1338088173
