Although the practice of mindfulness has been around for centuries, it has seen a resurgence in the last few years. As the research shows, teaching mindfulness to kids is effective in helping them learn life-long techniques which aid self-regulation, increase emotional intelligence, and improve resiliency.
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Most of these books focus on being thoughtful and quiet, others approach the idea of mindfulness as being in the moment, still others are about figuring out how to deal with big feelings. A few books even offer practical mindfulness activities that kids can implement on their own or with a trusted grown-up.
And of course, reading a book can always be a mindful moment, too.
A Handful of Quiet: Happiness in Four Pebbles by Thich Nhat Hanh, illustrated by Wietske Vriezen
A Zen master uses pebbles to teach meditation in this book which also includes instructions for practical activities for children and their grown-ups to connect with nature and maintain a calm, mindful attitude in a busy, noisy world. Because the activities are hands-on instead of just "sitting still and listening" this book is especially useful for those kids who need to constantly move.
Quiet by Tomie dePaola
Two children and their grandfather take a walk in the park. They notice that everything around them is so busy—the birds, dragonflies, frogs, etc. The grandfather suggests that they sit and be still and quiet on a park bench at which point they notice that other creatures are taking a break, too.
MORE: Comforting Picture Books
Be Still, Life by Ohara Hale
Whimsical observations about nature, animals, and movement encourage readers to take joy in the world around them. The playful illustrations and silly rhymes keep the book from falling into the oh-so-serious trap other mindfulness books might get caught up in.
Mindful Day by Deborah Hopkinson, illustrated by Shirley Ng-Benitez
Follow the observations of a family during the day in this sweet book. Every task, from the breakfast in the morning to visiting the market and preparing a meal becomes a moment of reflection. The girl narrates her observations of the sights, sounds and tastes, and offers gratitude for her experiences.
When You Have to Wait by Melanie Conklin, illustrated by Lea Hong
Everyone knows that waiting is hard! The message of this book is that if we take the time to be still and observe our surroundings, waiting gives us the opportunity to notice things and have experiences that otherwise would pass us by.
MORE: 20 Waiting Games for Kids
Patience, Miyuki by Roxane Marie Galliez, illustrated by Seng Soun Ratanavanh
I loved this book, as well as the companion picture book, Thank you, Miyuki, which also conveys a lovely lesson about patience and mindfulness. Miyuki goes outdoors with her grandfather and sees a flower that she wishes would "wake up!" Her grandfather, however, teachers her the value of patience and that the rewards of waiting are wonderful.
Taking Time by Jo Loring-Fisher
Find it: Amazon
I adore this picture book-length poem which encourages children to cherish moments of comfort. Fisher depicts children around the world taking the time to enjoy seemingly small, but very comforting moments, such as feeling a cat's purr, wondering at the vastness of the night sky, gathering floating cherry blossoms, and imagining the sounds of the sea. The book concludes with an illustration showing a gathering of all the children, each with a keepsake from their moment of mindfulness.
MORE: Picture Books that Support Emotional Intelligence
Here and Now by Julia Denos, illustrated by E.B. Goodale
Reflecting upon the act of reading is a mindfulness exercise and this wonderful book encourages kids to be "in the moment." On the first page we see several hands of different skin colors holding the page the reader is holding. "Right here, right now, you are reading this book." The narrative continues, detailing the beauty of reflecting on the here and now. In the end note, the author explains how her meditation practice influenced the writing of the book.
Now by Antoinette Portis
Find it: Amazon
I loved this book, both its simplicity and its exuberance. A young girl experiences the joys of the world, enjoying all the things around her and declaring her favorites, whether they be a puddle of mud or a moment with a loved one. A great reminder about finding joy in the immediate experience.
MORE: Picture Books to Inspire a Love of Nature
A Morning with Grandpa by Sylvia Liu, illustrated by Christina Forshay
Mindfulness doesn't have to take place in solitude! A girl connects with her grandfather over the practice of Tai Chi. Mei Mei joins her grandpa in the morning for his daily ritual but while he is smooth and graceful, Mei Mei puts her own spin on things, reminding us that mindfulness need not always be practiced in the stillness.
MORE: Books about Grandparents
The Whole Wide World and Me by Toni Yuly
This is a charming story of a girl enjoying the natural world. Cut paper illustrations are simple and colorful, the text is spare but poetic. What I really love about this book as a read aloud is that you can focus on the shifting perspectives in the illustrations. You might see a close up of the girl's feet, or a wide-angle view of the landscape. The narration is in the first person, the girl stating how she sees herself as part of the world, "I am a cloud in the sky," "I am a pebble..." Gets kids thinking metaphorically!
MORE: Books to Inspire Kids to Change the World
A Boy and a Bear: A Relaxation Story introducing deep breathing to decrease stress and anger while promoting peaceful sleep by Lori Lite
We've had this book since the boys were young. I would read it to them at bedtime and they would listen and actually relax and try to breathe like the bear in the story! As with everything with kids, encouraging peaceful bedtimes can be hit or miss, but this book definitely helped me a lot.
MORE: Best Bedtime Books for Kids
Grandfather Gandhi by Arun Gandh and Bethany Hegedus, illustrated by Evan Turk
Gandhi’s grandson, Arun, goes to live with his grandfather, which was considered a great honor. One day his grandfather gets angry, a surprise to Arun. Gandhi explains to his grandson that anger is a normal human emotion, that people must work to conquer and transform so that it can be used for a good purpose. This is a marvelous, must-read book that will encourage your kids to think about the role emotions play in the choices we make towards peaceful solutions.
MORE: Books about Peace and Peacemakers
What Does it Mean to be Present? by Rana DiOro, illustrated by Eliza Wheeler
Find it: Amazon
This book, with its simple text teaches kids that being "present" is not just being physically present, it is about being mindful of one's surroundings. Listening, seeing, using one's mind in a thoughtful manner. Great for parents, too!
The Other Way to Listen, and The Way to Start the Day by Byrd Baylor, illustrated by Peter Parnall
Find The Other Way to Listen: Amazon | Bookshop
Find The Way to Start the Day: Amazon | Bookshop
I wanted to put all of Baylor's books on this list because they all, in some way, address the issue of being mindful of our place in the world. However, I am limiting myself to just these two. The first is about–you guessed it–learning how to really listen to the sounds around us (a strong theme in this book list!). The second book is about the joys of greeting a new day and the different ways cultures start the day. And I'm not going to lie, I love the 1970s illustrations!
Charlotte and the Quiet Place by Deborah Sosin, illustrated by Sara Woolley
Find it: Amazon
I liked this book because you keep expecting Charlotte to find a physical place to escape all the noise of the city. Yet, Charlotte learns she must rely on her inner self to find a quiet place.
I am Peace: A Book of Mindfulness by Susan Verde, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds
Verde is a yoga teacher and in this second collaboration with Reynolds, she takes the reader on a soothing journey of mindfulness, centeredness and compassion for the world.
One Leaf Rides the Wind by Celeste Mannis, illustrated by Susan Kathleen Hartung
A child’s love of the Japanese Garden is the inspiration behind this collection of haiku poetry. And what's more meditative that being in a Japanese Garden? Cleverly, the poems follow the girl’s journey through the garden as she discovers and admires its delights. Poetry is great for promoting mindfulness.
MORE: Haiku books for kids
The Happiest Tree: A Yoga Story by Uma Krishmaswam, illustrated by
Meena is working on the school play. She works on the sets but is also going to be playing a tree. She is nervous that she is too clumsy. One day she walks by a yoga studio and her aunt encourages her to sign up. Learning yoga techniques is the key to overcoming her nervousness and she becomes "the happiest tree in the whole forest."
MORE: Picture Books about Happiness
Visiting Feelings by Lauren Rubenstein, illustrated by Shelly Hehenberger
Children are invited to notice their feelings without judgement and to give their feelings sensory descriptions such as "smooth" like ice cream or "sharp" like stones. Interestingly, the feelings are not named, allowing children to experience their emotions without preconceived ideas.
Take the Time: Mindfulness for Kids by Maud Rogiers
Find it: Amazon
This French import gently guides children to slow down and teaches them the basic steps towards mindfulness, encouraging them to breath and notice the world around them.
The Lemonade Hurricane: A Story of Mindfulness and Meditation by Licia Morelli, illustrated by Jennifer E. Morris
Find it: Amazon
Emma likes to sit and rest after a busy day at school, but her brother, "the lemonade hurricane," as she calls him, is exactly the opposite. Emma decides Henry could benefit from learning how to meditate. This book also includes meditation exercises the kids can do.
The Sound of Silence by Katrina Goldsaito, illustrated by Julia Kuo
In noisy Tokyo, a boy searches for his favorite sound: silence. The art in this book is detailed and reveling in the illustrations is an exercise in mindfulness itself! Yoshio searches and searches and then comes to the realization that silence is actually always with us.
The Three Questions [Based on a story by Leo Tolstoy] by Jon J. Muth
I like to recommend this book as much as possible and it is a good stepping stone for a discussion with your kids about what constitutes inner happiness. They will ask, What is the best time to do things? Who is the most important one? What is the right thing to do? and reflect on the importance of doing good deeds and paying attention to the immediate moment.
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The Listening Walk by Paul Showers, illustrated by Aliki
This gentle story about a girl who takes the time to notice the sounds in the neighborhood has been teaching preschoolers mindfulness since 1961. I particularly like that she notices all kinds of sounds, both quiet and ear-splitting.
When Sophie Gets Angry, Really, Really Angry by Molly Bang
This is a classic book about feelings, and offers up a simple way for kids to face their anger. Sophie gets angry because of a perceived unfairness and she blows her top. Her solution is to run away and climb a tree, looking out into the wide world until she feels calm. The message that a peaceful space will help in times of turmoil is a useful one.
MORE: Picture Books about Anger and Frustration
Silence by Lemniscates
Find it: Amazon
You will notice that many of these books ask children to reflect on the sounds they hear. A girl listens "in the silence" to sounds of nature, to the movement of her own body, and to the seasons as she passes through them.
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