Top 5 Mindfulness Books for Kids
One of my favorite things to do with my boys is read. Reading is a true gift, I think it is especially important in today’s fast-paced society, to slow down and dive into a good book together. I love seeing my little boys faces light up when they connect to the characters on the pages. I also appreciate when the books we are reading teach them about empathy, kindness and how to be mindful. Here is a list of my top 5 favorite books that encourage mindfulness:
Mindful Books For Kids
Zen Pig–We are huge fans of the Zen Pig books. I love the little sayings and teachings in each book, and even use them for myself. The collections include six books. They help remind us to be compassionate towards ourselves and others. Also to cherish the earth, and to be thankful for the little things in life. We follow zen pig on his adventures and each page is a lesson in an of itself. I love the little poems so much.
What Would Danny Do?–What Should Danny Do? is an innovative, interactive book that empowers kids with the understanding that their choices shape their days, their lives and who they will be. The book comes with a little red cape. My six years old puts it on when he reads the book. The book is written in a “Choose Your Own Story” style. It follows Danny, a Superhero-in-Training, throughout his day as he faces everyday kid choices. Timothy realizes that the choices Danny really influences who Danny will be. I love the lesson in this book and think it’s really important for children to get comfortable making their own positive, healthy decisions.
More Minful Books
Thank You Body, Thank You Heart–Thank You Body, Thank you Heart is one of our favorite new bedtime books. In the book by Jennifer Cohen Harper, a yoga teacher, and mother of two, children learn self-compassion and focus on feeling grateful for their bodies. Timothy and I explore the many reasons to be grateful for his own body. With this colorful and charming body-scan book. My three-year-old twins love the glossy pages. All of my boys are also establishing greater self-awareness and self-compassion through this book. I think this is even especially important for children to see their bodies for what they can do for them, not for how they look.
Sunshine–I love this book so much! Sunshine teaches us to be positive and bright and to lead with our hearts and love who we are. The book reminds me and my sons that we can choose our thoughts and spread our cheerful attitude wherever we go. I like that it also tells us that it’s ok to not always be happy. But we do have it within us to find our inner light. The story includes a sunshine affirmation and sunshine meditation, a feel better toolkit, and journal questions that encourage children to feel grateful and optimistic.
Yummy Yoga–Yummy Yoga is written by health expert Joy Bauer and a great way to introduce yoga and nutrition to young ones. Yoga is such an excellent practice for learning how to truly listen to your own body and it’s hunger cues. When I discovered yoga, I also started to eat better and choose healthier choices.
Playful photographs feature kids demonstrating yoga poses on one page while the opposite page show fruits and vegetables mirror the same poses! Bonnie Stephens the illustrator is so creative and my little guys love to look at the banana planks and other fun poses. I also love the recipes and it’s fun to introduce my boys to cooking and making their own healthy food from an early age. The recipes are simple and child-friendly and incorporate all of the healthy ingredients featured in each photo.
There are so many other great books out there. We love Susan Verde’s mindfulness books for children. A Pound of Kindness is worth checking out. My Little Yoga and also Yoga Frog are wonderful as well, to name a few more. What are your favorite mindfulness books? Answer in the comments below and let me know how you teach your children the art of kindness and living in the moment.
Kristin McGee is a celebrity yoga and Pilates instructor in New York City. She is currently teaching yoga with Peloton. She is the star of over 100 videos, seen in several magazines and tv shows and is a spokeswoman for many brands and causes she believes in. A proud mom to three, she sure keeps herself busy!