Relaxations: Big Tools for Little Warriors
Mamen Duch, Author
Raúl Nieto Guridi, Illustrator
Magination Press, Jun. 4, 2018
Suitable for Ages: 4-8
Themes: Breathing, Relaxation, Mindfulness, Concentration
Synopsis: Relaxations is a guide on mindfulness techniques for children ages 4 to 8. Creative metaphors work to help children achieve a state of calm and concentration through breathing, relaxation, and visualization. This book uses gentle affirmations to improve and enhance confidence, self-esteem, concentration, and creativity!
Bee Still: An Invitation to Meditation
Frank J. Sileo, Author
Claire Keay, Illustrator
Magination Press, Aug. 13, 2018
Suitable for Ages: 4-8
Themes: Meditation, Mindfulness, Soothing feelings
Synopsis: Bentley the bee lives in a busy, bustling hive. One day, when the other bees rush out to make honey, Bentley decides to meditate first. The other animals are curious about what Bentley is doing — so he teaches them how he uses meditation to focus, feel calm, and soothe difficult feelings.
Just like adults, children can benefit from turning off electronic devices and being present to what is happening to them in the moment. Bee Still is a child-friendly introduction to meditation.
Why I like these books:
Children and parents will fall in love with both charming books. The world can be a noisy place for young minds. These books are great resources that help children cultivate a little more peace in their lives and learn to just “be.” Each book offers practical approaches to applying the skills of mindfulness and compassion to live with more wonder, love and joy. The books are nicely paired because of their unique perspectives.
Learning to relax and meditate is a quiet activity that children and parents can do together — even if it is only for five minutes a day. All family members can benefit in this age of social media and electronic devices. It is quality time spent together.
The illustrations in each book are stunning. The artwork in Relaxations is simple and bold. In Bee Still, the artwork is whimsically detailed and stunning.
Resources: Both books contain a guide for simple meditation and exercises for young readers at the end in a Note to Parents.
Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books (PPB) with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s website.
*Review copies of both books were provided by the publisher.
Truly, I think these types of books are so VERY needed in our days… Even for carefree, easygoing kids, they are sure to be picking up the stress of the times in which we lived. Thank you for highlighting these two great picture books today, Pat!
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Both children and parents will benefit from reading and working with these books. And as you said, they are timely.
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Such important skills to focus on – I wish books like these had been available when my kids were young!
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I wish there had been available too. There were a few but they fell under “spiritual” books 20 + years ago. I am thrilled to see them mainstream now.
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These sound really interesting. I’m looking forward to reading them. Great title – words every child has heard – “Be still!”
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I love them both. I received review copies from the publisher and then donated the books to our wonderful Children’s Hospital. Thought that would make a nice home for them.
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Two books that could benefit both kids and adults who read these and use them as tools. I LOVE the cover and title of “Bee Still”! Thanks for the suggestions, Pat!
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They were a fun share today! Both kids and parents will benefit. Such a fun thing to do together.
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They both sound absolutely adorable and absolutely necessary. Kids really need to learn to unplug from electronics AND from all the other noise in their lives. Great picks, Pat!
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Yes, I agree that they are necessary in today’s world. Would be nice to see parents and kids doing the exercises together.
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What a fantastic idea to pair these adorable calming tools. Looks like I’d best get them both for my work in mindfulness. Thanks for scouting them out for us.
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Thought you might enjoy these picks. They are perfect addition to your collection.
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Hope I can find these – with cool temps coming a meditation-themed storytime might be just the right thing!
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It would make a wonderful storytime activity! I hope you find the books, they are relatively new.
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Beyond merely saying “Be still,” I like that these books show kids how to do that. I am looking forward to looking at them more closely. Thanks Patricia for highlighting them.
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You are welcome. I am delighted to see many more books being published around breathing, relaxation and mindfulness.
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What a gift it is to teach kids these skills at such early ages. Thanks for this post.
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I believe that if they teach them to young children, they will be tools for a lifetime. And, it can be a fun activity for parents and their children to practice together.
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What a great idea to introduce children at a young age how to relax. It’s an uptight world especially when reaching adolescents. They need these skills. Thanks for sharing.
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Yes, I agree with you! We all need tools to help youth handle the stresses around them.
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I can totally imagine a bee meditating…. om mani padme hummmmmmmmmmm! And while I think the image is cute, I wish the author had depicted a female (worker) bee as the one meditating.
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That’s a great suggestion. Hadn’t thought of that. Perfect om! Glad you enjoyed the book.
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Relaxation, meditation and mindfulness are important for all of us to incorporate into our daily lives, Patricia. Our lives, and the lives of children, seem to be always bustling. I think that’s part of the reason for the prevalence of anxiety. We need to slow down. These books will be wonderful for that. I was just reading a report about a school that is using meditation instead of punishment and the levels of happiness and positive behaviour at school are increasing. Great news!
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I know in the US many schools are preschools are using meditation, relaxation and mindfulness tools to help children. I like that it is being used instead of punishment. That’s what the Japanese use with prisoners – meditation all day.
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Sounds perfectly peace-making. 🙂
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Lovely description!
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