I Am Peace: A Book of Mindfulness
By Susan Verde
Illustrated by Peter Reynolds
Abrams, 2017.
Here is a picture book that can be a gentle tool for cultivating kid mindfulness.
There are times
when I worry about
what might happen next
and what happened before.
I give myself. Moment. I take a breath and then I tell myself: It’s alright.
We are encouraging young children to breathe, focus and be present in the here and now. I find this book is a reflection of the power of mindfulness in all our lives. It can be a guide for caregivers, families and teachers to help children acknowledge their feelings and learn to control their worry and anxiety. Scientific research has proven that there are many benefits to practicing mindfulness. And it’s never too early to get started. Having a soothing discussion about empathy would add to the reading. There is a guided meditation in the back of the book about noticing your breathing. It’s simple enough for kids to follow, and adults might get something out of it as well.
The art is calming, fun, colorful and reassuring. Reynolds uses watercolors, which gracefully capture the peaceful poses, as the child meditates, watches clouds, and shares seeds of kindness wherever he/she goes. Mindfulness will benefit children for a lifetime and help them change their world. This title, by Verde, is a companion book to I Am We: A Book of Community, and I Am One: A Book of Action.
Submitted by Karen Kosko
