
Picture Books
Here are some of our favourite picture books to support your mindfulness program. They cover important topics such as: being present, managing emotions, using the mindful breath, kindness, courage, and compassion..
Our recommended top 20 Picture books to support a mindfulness program
Listening with my Heart
by Gabi Garcia
We talk to kids a lot about how to be friends to others. Yet, positive self-talk and self-acceptance help build emotional resilience, happiness and well-being.
I Like Myself
by Karen Beaumont
This ode to self-esteem encourages kids to appreciate everything about themselves--inside and out. Messy hair? Beaver breath? So what! Here's a little girl who knows what really matters.
Puppy Mind
by Andrew Jordan Nance
A young boy discovers his mind is like a puppy, always wandering away, into the past or the future.. He sets about learning to train his puppy mind to heel to the present moment.
The Lion Inside
by Rachel Bright
An inspiring story that shows we all have a lion inside of us! "That day they BOTH learned That, no matter your size, We all have a mouse AND a lion inside.
Listening to my Body
by Gabi Carcia
This engaging and interactive book guides children through the practice of naming their feelings and the sensations that accompany them. Engages children in easy, kid-friendly mindfulness activities.
My Day is Ruined
by Bryan Smith
Do you have a student in the class who can't go with the flow? This book is for children who struggle when things don't go as planned!
Breathe like a Bear
by Kira Willey
Breathe Like a Bear is a beautifully illustrated collection of mindfulness exercises designed to teach kids techniques for managing their bodies, breath, and emotions.
I can Handle it!
by Laurie Wright
Kids learn well through repetition, and simple easy to 'get' language. Your children will incorporate the mindful mantra I Can Handle It almost immediately after reading this book!
Some Days I Flip My Lid
by Kellie Bailey
It can be really hard to handle BIG Emotions, especially anger! This story shows children that instead of yelling or stomping their feet, they can practice some fun ways to help them stay CALM.
What does it mean to be Kind?
by Rana DiOrio
Spreading a little kindness can make a big difference for everyone. But what does it mean to be kind?
What does it mean to be present?
by Rana DiOrio
What does being present look like? Sound like? The rain outside your window. Smell like? Briny seaweed at the beach. Taste like? A bite of orange
Whoever you are
by Mem Fox
Every day all over the world, children are laughing and crying, playing and learning. They may not look the same. They may not speak the same language. But inside, they are all alike.
Anh’s Anger
by Gail Silver
This wonderful and engaging story gives children and caregivers a concrete practice for dealing with anger and other difficult emotions.
Train your Angry Dragon
by Steve Herman
What do you do when your dragon loses his cool and wants to burn everything to the ground?
Get this book and learn how to train your angry dragon!
The Lemonade Hurricane
by Licia Morelli
Emma doesn’t really like hurricanes. After a busy day of school, Emma likes to sit still and rest. Her little brother, Henry, does everything but. She calls him The Lemonade Hurricane.
What were you Thinking?
by Bryan Smith
Third grader Braden loves to be the center of attention. But some poor decision-making lands him in hot water. Luckily his teacher and mother teach him ways to manage his impulses.
Have You Filled a Bucket Today?
by Carol McCloud
Children are not the only ones that need to learn how to be truly happy. It's all in the bucket, that invisible bucket that follows you everywhere... teaches young readers valuable lessons about giving, sharing, and caring.
A Handful of Quiet
by Thich Nhat Hanh
Pebble meditation is a playful and fun activity that educators can do with children to introduce them to meditation. It is designed to involve children in a hands-on and creative way that touches on their interconnection with nature.
How to tame my Anxiety Monster
by Melanie Hawkins
Do you have an anxiety monster that is big, and wild, and likes to visit you? Is there any way to tame him? A delightful new book with practical solutions just for kids that deal with anxiety.
The Gifts You Cannot Buy
by Andrea Skromovas
Some gifts are so powerful, they are priceless. This beautiful and inspiring book helps readers of all ages reflect on some of the most important things in life: people, friendship, time, nature, faith, love and hope.