How can we teach our children to manage the distractions in a day, at a young age? A great opportunity is through books! Here are 5 great books that will help with productively managing the chaos of today’s world. They are beautifully written and illustrated and make a wonderful gift.
1) A Handful of Quiet: Happiness in Four Pebbles by Thich Nhat Hanh
This book teaches children to employ pebble meditation, a technique created by Nobel Peace Prize–nominee Thich Nhat Hanh that involves connecting with nature in a tactile way. Kids can follow the steps outlined in the book to use rocks as a vehicle to cultivate quiet in the mind.
2) Take the Time: Mindfulness for Kids by Maud Roegiers
The style and pace of this story will be soothing to young readers. With its soft colors and gentle brushwork, the book illustrates ways in which kids can slow down and appreciate every moment, from thinking about the effect their words will have on others to focusing on the feeling of receiving a hug.
3) Silence by Lemniscates
In the world of a child, silence is hard to come by. This book, created by renowned Barcelona-based artist Lemniscastes, encourages young readers to seek silence and consider it an opportunity for reflection and for listening to one’s heart.
4) Sitting Still Like a Frog: Mindfulness Exercises for Kids (and Their Parents) by Eline Snel (Author), Myla Kabat-Zinn (Reader), Jon Kabat-Zinn (Foreword)
The Kabat-Zinn family is revered in the world of mindfulness. Their involvement with this fun manual for kids and parents gives this book a serious pedigree. “Sitting Still Like a Frog” includes a 60-minute CD of mindfulness activities for the all to share.
5) Visiting Feelings by Lauren Rubenstein
Using rhyme, this story encourages children to invite emotions into their lives, embracing all feelings equally instead of labeling or judging them. The swirling colors and dreamlike illustrations make this book perfect for a bedtime read.
The reviews above were written by Colleen. Enjoy the book and time with your child. Happy and calming reading!