January is an exciting time of the year. It is fun to start a new calendar, open a new planner, and make plans for things you want to do in the new year. But all of the changes (and the long, cold, dark nights) can also feel a little bit overwhelming. When I am feeling overwhelmed, I like to practice mindful meditation to help calm me down. If you (or the kids in your life!) are the same way, here are some great books that will help.
Written by Swapna Haddow & Dr. Diplo
Illustrated by Yiting Lee
London: Magic Cat Publishing, 2024. Comics. 111 pages.
In this adorable and unique take on mindfulness, the fictional Dr. Diplo offers therapy to the other dinosaurs. The graphic novel style of this book will attract a lot of readers, and the excellent use of stories, flowcharts, and other visual decoration will make sure they leave with an understanding of how to navigate feelings in difficult situations. Psychologist Amber Owens assisted with this book to make sure that the content surrounding mental-health and wellbeing is sound.
Written by Megan Borgert-Spaniol and Lauren Kukla
Illustrated by Aruna Rangarajan
Minneapolis, MN: Beaming Books, 2020. Informational. 80 pages.
When you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed, sometimes the hardest thing to do is try a new hobby or move your body -- even if you know it will help! This book has easy activities to help kids refocus and find ways to calm down. Something that makes this book especially appealing is the mix of activities for older and younger children. With a mix of crafts, art projects, and easy physical exercises, this book is a like a one-stop shop of good ideas for mindfulness.
By Andy J. Pizza & Sophie Miller
San Francisco, CA: Chronicle Books, 2023, Informational.
A big part of mindfulness is being able to name, understand, and respect all of your different, big feelings. Some feelings, like happy or sad, are easy to understand and easy to name, while others, like weirdness or melancholy, can be hard to put a finger on. This engaging and humorous book helps readers understand all of those invisible things, and figure out how to help them all find their place.
Written by Esperanza Habinger
Illustrated by Sole Sebastián
Translated by Lawrence Schimel
Victoria, BC: Orca Book Publishers, 2023. Informational. 58 pages.
For older readers who are trying to engage with mindfulness, it can be helpful to think about the brain -- how it works, what it does for us, and how to keep it functioning with the rest of your body. This book does all of that and more, explaining the functions of the brain and its role in empathy and emotional regulation. Colorful illustrations bring this book to life.
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