My Favourite Children’s Books for Mindfulness & Calm

​This is the second in a series of posts about some of my favourite children’s books. With school starting in one week these books can support easing the anxiety many kids may be feeling by supporting self-regulation through mindfulness. This post is relevant for developing a child’s understanding and application of mindfulness including awareness of our thoughts and feelings, building body awareness by connecting with our sensations and feelings, and kid-friendly mindfulness tools. Many of these books were integral in informing the the children's mindfulness groups I ran in the past. Please find below five of my favourites:   

1. I am Peace: A Book of Mindfulness by Susan Verde. Capturing the experience of the overthinking mind, ways of settling the mind through connection with nature and our sensations, and in turn being more present and at peace. Book good for ages Book good for ages 4 to 8.
2. A Handful of Quiet developed by Thich Nhat Hanh. This book introduces kids to meditation through the fun and accessible pebble meditation. This practice can help promote self-regulation, coping tools, and gratitude. Book good for ages 5 to 9.
3. Listening to my Body by Gabi Garcia. A great place to start in building kids body awareness which is key in mindfulness practices, through understanding and identifying body sensations and how they are linked to different emotional experiences. Woven throughout the book are tangible mindfulness practices for kids, simple ways for them to build safe connection with their body, and ways to self-regulate. Book good for ages 4 to 10.
4. Peaceful Piggy Meditation by Kerry Lee MacLean. Highly recommended book choice, and read numerous times in the children’s mindfulness groups over the years and in individual sessions. This is a great introduction for kids to meditation including how to get started, awareness and acceptance, and what being peaceful can look like. Book good for ages 4 to 8.
5. Mindful Kids: 50 Activities for Calm, Focus and Peace. I snuck this one in here as it is not a book but a very valuable resource on introducing kids to many aspects of mindfulness in a kid friendly way including through movement, breathwork, meditation, and awareness of mind and body. Resource good for ages 4 and up.

​If you need additional support reach out to me, I am Nicole Levy, and I am here as your helping hand, let’s get started, book your complimentary initial consult today https://www.mindfulhealingjourney.ca/#/