We all need to slow down, be mindful, and take time to wonder in our lives. And, it’s important to teach our over-stimulated students the same. These books are beautiful reminders and conversation starters for all of us. Enjoy this list of books for kids about mindfulness and taking time to wonder.
Picture Books Showcasing Mindfulness and Wondering
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What’s In Your Pocket? Collecting Nature’s Treasures by Heather L. Montgomery invites us to meet a variety of amazing scientists whose wondering and noticing helped them to go and achieve great things. Meet George Washington, Jane Goodall, and more.
This book also happens to be a Family Dinner Book Club pick. I have some conversation starters to spark a discussion at the dinner table. The free printable is below.
Thank You, Neighbor! by Ruth Chan reminds us to stay connected and say thank you to our neighbors for they are truly what makes us feel at home.
Puppy in My Head by Elise Gravel helps children visualize the noise and unsettledness in their heads to a puppy in their heads. Then, they are guided through breathing and coping techniques to reign in that puppy.
Letters to Live By: An Alphabet Book with Intention by Lisa Frenkel Riddiough gives us 26 reminders to be mindful and full of intention as we live. From A for “appreciate art” to t for “take time,” the beautiful prompts and illustrations will inspire you to slow down and just be.
These two beautiful picture books by Christopher Willard and Daniel Rechtschaffen walk us through 26 beautiful breaths. In Alphabreaths we do a cake breath where we breathe in and then blow out our candles. In Alphabreaths Too we practice island breaths. Imagine yourself laying in a hammock on the beach taking lots of deep breaths. These read-alouds will definitely have everyone calmer, happier, and at peace after reading.
Extraordinary by Penny Harrison reminds us that noticing the little ordinary things can have an extraordinary impact on our lives. So look for those small moments. Appreciate them and savor them.
Here and Now by Julia Denos reminds us to be present in the moment. It actually is a more powerful read-aloud to the adults in the family but works to read aloud to kids and let them pass on the message too.
Being a Dog: A Tail of Mindfulness by Maria Gianferrari invites us to look through the lens of a dog’s life when thinking about mindfulness. Can we be more dog-like and live in the moment? A fun and playful look at what mindfulness really is.
Have you ever stopped to notice what makes a good day? Daniel’s Good Day by Micha Archer is the story of a little boy who travels through the neighborhood asking others what makes a good day. He gets answers from busy sidewalks to friendly faces to smiles.
Outside, You Notice by Eril Alladin encourages us to step outside and notice nature around us. From the tiny seeds you cup in your hands to the noises all around that make the soundtrack of stillness around us, there is so much to appreciate.
My friend Jen also recommends, Oliver’s Lollipop by Allison Wortche. Oliver’s thoughts are consumed with the lollipop at the zoo. Will he realize that there is more than lollipops when it comes to a visit at the zoo?
Printable Book List of Mindfulness Books
Grab a printable list of the book titles shared above and conversation starters you can use to spark discussion.
Take time to notice and wonder today.
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