10 Mindfulness Read Alouds for Kids That Will Calm Their Minds and Soothe Their Souls

10 Mindfulness Read Alouds for Kids That Will Calm Their Minds and Soothe Their Souls

As mindfulness continues to gain popularity, it’s no surprise that parents, teachers, and mental health professionals are looking for new ways to introduce the practice to children. One popular method is through read-alouds. By sharing stories that explicitly or implicitly teach mindfulness techniques, children can learn these important skills in a fun and engaging way. Here are ten mindfulness read-alouds that will calm your child’s mind and soothe their soul.

1. The Listening Walk by Paul Showers

This beautifully illustrated book follows a young girl and her father on a walk through their neighborhood. Along the way, they take turns being quiet and listening to the sounds around them. The Listening Walk teaches children the importance of slowing down and paying attention to their surroundings, and even provides tips for younger children who may struggle with staying still and quiet.

2. The Red Tree by Shaun Tan

While The Red Tree isn’t explicitly about mindfulness, it is a powerful story about hope in the face of despair. Its beautiful illustrations and poetic text encourage readers to slow down and take in the smallest details of the world around them.

3. Sitting Still Like a Frog by Eline Snel

Sitting Still Like a Frog is a kid-friendly mindfulness guide that includes simple meditation exercises and breathing techniques. The book is easy to follow and includes a CD with guided meditations to help children truly incorporate mindfulness into their daily lives.

4. I am Peace by Susan Verde

I am Peace is a wonderful introduction to the principles of mindfulness. The book follows a young girl as she learns about present moment awareness, breathing practices, and self-care. The gentle illustrations and simple language make this book ideal for younger children.

5. Breathe Like a Bear by Kira Willey

Breathe Like a Bear includes 30 mindfulness activities tailored to different moods and situations. The book is interactive and includes movements, breathing exercises, and yoga poses to help children connect with their emotions and find calm in any situation.

6. Mindful Monkey, Happy Panda by Lauren Alderfer

Written by a clinical psychologist, Mindful Monkey, Happy Panda is a wonderful resource for parents and teachers looking to introduce mindfulness to young children. The book includes various breathing and meditation exercises that help children learn how to focus on the present moment and manage difficult emotions.

7. Anh’s Anger by Gail Silver

Anh’s Anger is a powerful story that teaches children about the importance of recognizing and managing their emotions. When a young boy named Anh gets angry, a wise grandfather helps him cultivate peacefulness and mindfulness. The book includes a useful afterward that provides tips for adults looking to help children cope with their emotions.

8. Moody Cow Meditates by Kerry Lee MacLean

Moody Cow Meditates is a humorous story about a very grumpy cow and his journey toward mindfulness. The book beautifully illustrates how practicing mindfulness can help us find calm and clarity even in the midst of chaos.

9. My Magic Breath by Nick Ortner

My Magic Breath is a beautifully illustrated book that provides young children with an introduction to the power of mindfulness. The book includes simple breathing exercises that children can use to calm themselves in any situation.

10. The Mindful Child by Susan Kaiser Greenland

The Mindful Child is a comprehensive guide to teaching mindfulness to children of all ages. The book includes a range of activities and practices that can be easily incorporated into daily life, along with tips for parents and teachers looking to create a more mindful environment at home or in the classroom.

In conclusion, these ten mindfulness read-alouds are a wonderful way to introduce your child to the principles of mindfulness. By encouraging children to slow down, breathe, and focus on the present moment, these books can help them learn valuable skills for managing difficult emotions and finding peace in any situation. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or mental health professional, incorporating these books into your child’s life can help them cultivate a sense of mindfulness that will benefit them long into adulthood.