61 multicultural Mindfulness Books for Kids
Let’s face it, children today are over-scheduled, over-stimulated and constantly on the move. Society places huge pressures on youth to be high achievers; children are expected to get good grades, win athletic awards and to be involved in a never-ending list of extracurricular activities.
Social media adds to the stress as accomplishments are constantly publicized, and the rise of online bullying has made day-to-day life nearly unbearable for teens as they are constantly bombarded with images of false perfection. And in a day and age of televised racial traumas and violence, along with a global pandemic, anxiety, fear and depression are on the rise.
It can all be difficult to navigate.
Mindfulness books for kids are the perfect resource to introduce children to mindful practices that help to quiet the storms that life can bring.
“Adults and children alike need a pause from the busyness of daily life and slow down. ”
What is mindfulness?
“Mindfulness” is a buzzword that many use today, yet many are unaware of exactly what it means. In simplest terms, mindfulness is the ability to be aware of oneself and to be fully present in all things. Mindfulness connects us to our feelings, thoughts, environments and bodily sensations. Mindfulness also encompasses the practice of radical self-love, self-acceptance and mental health support. Mindfulness practices can be used to ease feelings of self-judgment and self-doubt, and have been proven to reduce stress and anxiety. Mindfulness is used widely in mental health maintenance and recovery as calming exercises are beneficial in regulating stress triggers.
how to explain mindfulness to children
Explaining mindfulness to children doesn’t have to be difficult. Mindfulness is as simple as one noticing what’s happening in the present moment within oneself and in others. Mindfulness is paying attention to one’s feelings and emotions; mindfulness also teaches kindness to oneself and others.
Mindfulness practices in African, Asian and Indigenous cultures and faiths
Mindfulness has been apart of African, Asian and Indigenous cultures for thousands of years. Eastern faiths such as Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism have always valued stillness, thankfulness, self-reflection, contemplation and self-awareness. These practices are also intricate principles in Indigenous spiritual beliefs. Indigenous peoples have always esteemed gratitude, kindness and connection with the world around us.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds...
”
The cultural appropriation of mindfulness
While mindfulness has always been central in Eastern faiths, Indigenous spiritual practices and BIPOC cultures, its “new” popularity has been co-opted by capitalism and systematic whiteness. Ableism, classism, cultural and religious appropriation, racism and body shaming are now at the center of practices that once held universal access to all.
In the mid 1990s, when yoga became a Hollywood craze, its Indian roots were all but erased and yoga’s humble origins that centered egalitarianism where ignored.
India’s connection to yoga was reduced to “namaste” t-shirts and “om” bracelets.
Meditation has also been culturally appropriated and Asians voices as authorities on the subject have been nearly obliterated.
White westerners pay thousands of dollars to listen to white “meditation experts,” and they flock to their prayer centers searching for their own piece of enlightenment. Most of these meditation centers are exclusive to upperclass whites who would never share these sacred spaces with the “lower class” and Black, Brown and Indigenous bodies.
But these folks “love” the Dali Lama and Buddha head statues—don’t forget that, okay!
Africans and Indigenous peoples have always used music, body movements, herbs, dance and nature to heal. These practices, once scorned upon and written off as “weird” and “primitive”, are currently all the rage since white elites “discovered” them.
Yoga, meditation, herbal medicines, acupuncture, cupping therapy, mindful breathing, gratitude, contemplation and other mindfulness practices are all being held hostage by capitalism, elitism and systematic whiteness.
Systematic whiteness in mindfulness shuns those from the cultures and faiths who are the originators of these practices, while maximizing profits. Many from BIPOC communities cannot afford to benefit from their ancestors’ inveterate beliefs; white, upper-class, thin bodies have become the normalized social narrative of mindfulness.
Our scared practices are now commodities for their consumption.
decolonize mindfulness
The writer, Tina Curiel-Allen, beautifully defines decolonization as “…reclaiming what was taken and honoring what we still have.” For BIPOC folks, our process of decolonization extends to reclaiming our ancestors’ healing practices, dances, connection to prayer and the earth while maintaining grateful hearts. To lose our mindful traditions would mean to lose a part of who we are, so we must reclaim what was lost and honor what remains.
Simple ways to decolonize mindfulness
follow BIPOC leaders in the mindfulness movement.
understand the origins of mindful practices such as yoga, meditation, gratitude etc.
follow yogis of varying body shapes.
contribute financially to make mindfulness accessible to those of all socioeconomic backgrounds.
practice humility on your mindfulness journey.
DO NOT participate in sacred practices that are culturally specific when not invited in (this applies to BIPOC folks as well).
DO NOT insist upon participating in sacred practices when told that “outsiders” are not invited in (this applies to BIPOC folks as well).
What are the benefits of mindfulness for children in varying Black, Brown and Indigenous communities?
Poverty, colonialism, racism, slavery, land theft, genocide, war, immigration, police brutality and migration are all common in BIPOC communities. These realities have taken emotional tolls on our well-being for generations, and our children are also impacted by these systematic traumas. Children from BIPOC communities are also subjected to the horrors of navigating white spaces, and are forced to fight against Eurocentric beauty standards on a daily basis, greatly impacting their mental health.
Finding healthy ways to de-stress, reduce anxieties, express emotion and build self-esteem are imperative for children from BIPOC communities.
Mindfulness helps to decolonize the minds of children. By using culturally centered mindful and healing practices, children can begin to decenter Eurocentrism and capitalism in their lives. Returning to cultural healing practices helps to rewire the brain and reduce centuries of colonial impact.
Mindfulness builds self-esteem, increases confidence and self-love. Mindfulness encourages self-awareness and self-reflection which leads self-acceptance. Black, Brown and Indigenous children are bombarded by Eurocentric beauty standards that are at war with their sense of self-worth, and mindfulness helps to increase self-love and acceptance of one’s own self.
Helps relieve anxiety, stress and trauma. Many Black, Brown and Indigenous children face systemic and generational traumas. Access to mindfulness as apart of their daily routines helps to relieve stress, anxiety and trauma.
Helps to reduce school suspensions and school behavioral issues. Many schools across the United States are discovering the benefits of mindfulness. Mindfulness practices such as reflective yoga, meditation and deep breathing are helping to curb behavioral issues and replacing detention. According to the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States, Black students are disciplined at much higher rates than their white counterparts. Other leading studies show that Black children are suspended more often than white students. Using mindfulness to replace suspensions and detentions help to reduce racially biased behavioral disciples within school systems.
Mental Health resources for BIPOC communities
While mindfulness practices are beneficial in reducing, and managing, stress, trauma and anxieties, BIPOC communities must also have access to affordable and culturally competent mental health providers.
Mindfulness activities for kids
There are many simple mindfulness activities that help children to calm their bodies, reduce stress and to become more present.
slowly blowing bubbles (inhale through nose and blow out with mouth)
worry bubbles (think about worries and “blow them out” and watch them float away)
sitting like a frog (sitting still and calm)
praying (trust, gratitude, releasing of worry, stillness)
taking deep breaths (mindful breathing)
yoga
reciting positive affirmations
lay outside and find shapes in the clouds (stillness)
have children color their feelings and emotions (emotion awareness)
have children list a few things they are grateful for everyday (gratitude)
explore different smells (to learn being present and paying attention to small details)
listen to classical music or jazz and try to identify the different instruments (practicing being present)
have children name what they love about themselves (self-esteem building)
Mindfulness activities for teens and tweens
Teens and tweens are constantly under pressure; teens and tweens also struggle with body image, social media consumption, peer pressures, changing hormones, friendship dramas, bullying and more.
It’s easy to neglect ones’s mind, body, spirit and emotions when attempting to balance these demands.
Teens and tweens from varying Black, Brown and Indigenous communities deal with these same pressures and more. They’re subjected to European beauty standards, police violence, performance pressures from immigrant parents…and trying to survive in white spaces. Many Black, Brown and Indigenous teens and tweens face higher rates of poverty than their white counter parts and often have more family responsibilities. Often, these teens and tweens have less access to mental health resources and face cultural stigmas surrounding the issue.
According to the American Psychological Association, teen stress levels rival those of adults. Recent statistics published on their website show that during the school year, the average teen in the U.S. faces stress rates of 5.8 on a scale of 1-10. Teens are also less likely to tell a trusted adult about their stress levels and often face anxiety and depression on their own. The Centers for Disease Control reports that 3.2 percent of children aged 3-17 years in the country are officially diagnosed with depression (around 1.9 million) and another 7.1 percent are diagnosed with anxiety (approximately 4.4 million). There are millions of more teens and tweens struggling with depression and anxiety who are never been treated or diagnosed.
Adding mindfulness activities into your teens and/or tween’s daily routine can drastically reduce pressure and anxiety.
Easy mindful activities for teens and tweens:
mindful walks (paying attention to nature and moving the body)
mindful coloring (focus and relaxation)
meditation
yoga
prayer
mindful journaling (to process feelings and map out emotions)
Centers for Disease Control
Mindfulness videos for kids
YouTube is your one-stop shop for mindfulness videos for kids. There are so many amazing resources on teaching mindfulness to kids through videos…for free!
For children from poor and working class families, mindfulness is often out of reach as their parents cannot afford to pay $200 for a five week “yoga for toddlers” class. But the internet gives access to yoga to children who normally couldn’t afford it. There are many mindfulness videos for kids that teach mindful breathing, gratitude, about feelings and emotions and controlling anger. Teaching mindfulness to children can be as simple as watching YouTube!
yoga in Spanish
It is estimated that over 580 million people around the world speak Spanish. 483 million of those are native speakers, and Spanish is studied by more 20 million people in over 110 countries.
Nearly 7.6 percent of the world’s total population speaks Spanish, and it ranks in the top three of the most-spoken languages on the internet.
In the United States alone, there are millions of children who are Spanish/English bilingual and whose primary home language is Spanish. In fact, the U.S. has more native Spanish speakers than Spain!
Access to mindfulness practices and activities in Spanish
*If anyone knows of mindfulness videos in Spanish by non-white Latinos, please leave info in the comments section.
Spanish yoga videos for kids
Spanish yoga videos and channels for teens
Mindfulness websites for kids and teens
Mindfulness websites for kids and teens are packed full of resources for parents and educators to implement mindful practices into the home and classroom. Finding websites that represented BIPOC and diverse experiences proved to be extremely difficult, but I did my best to add a variety.
Mindfulness worksheets for kids
Whether one is teaching mindfulness in the classroom or at home, mindfulness worksheets for kids are great and interactive ways to implement mindful lessons. From empathy, gratitude, feelings, emotions, self-love and making tough choices…worksheets are a fun way to teach mindfulness to children.
Find creative ways to make mindfulness enjoyable for your children and a part of their daily routines.
Positive Affirmations for kids and mindfulness through music
Music and dance are powerful tools that have been used in varying Black, Brown and Indigenous cultures, and their diasporas, for thousands of years. Music and dance have the power to alter moods and using them to reinforce positive affirmations and mindfulness themes to children is simple and fun!
“I Love My Hair” (Spanish version) —Sesame Street
“Don’t Give Up” —Bruno Mars and the Sesame Street crew
“Try Everything” (Spanish version) —Shakira
“The Power of Yet” —Janelle Monae and the Sesame Street crew
“Don’t Worry, Be Happy” —Bobby McFerrin
“Belly Breathe” —Common, Colbie Caillat and the Sesame Street crew
“Calm Body, Calm Mind” —Netflix Jr. Jams
“A Song Celebrating You!” —Sesame Street
“Happy” — Pharrell Williams
“What I Am” by Will.i.am and the Sesame Street crew
“Three Little Birds”— Bob Marley and the Wailers
“Try a Little Kindness” —Tori Kelly and the Sesame Street crew
“Soy Yo” —Bomba Estéreo
“A New Way to Walk” —Destiny’s Child and the Sesame Street crew
“I Am” —Joy Anderson
Why I chose the mindfulness books for children on this list
As a non-white mother raising non-white children, I am always looking for diverse books to have in our home. So imagine how I felt when searching for mindfulness books for children and nearly all of the books centered upon white children…or animals.
Yup, folks, there are more yoga books for kids that have teddy bears, raccoons and frogs as their main characters than Indian children.
Chew on that for a bit.
To put it frankly, I was pissed. I wanted to turned that anger into action, so I decided to comprise of list of books that honored BIPOC communities, and that bring diverse perspectives to the current mindfulness movement.
“There are more mindfulness books for kids that feature animals than Black, Brown and Indigenous children...and mindfulness originated in our cultures.”
Where to purchase multicultural mindfulness books for children
I do my best to promote independent publishing houses and bookstores as often as possible—especially those that are Black, Brown and Indigenous-owned. This is not always possible, though, as Amazon and large chain stores monopolize the book market. Finding multicultural mindfulness books for children sold by independent bookstores proved to be difficult. Because the mindfulness movement has become white-dominated, and the publishing industry itself is extremely racist, many BIPOC folks have been forced to self-published mindfulness children’s books with diverse characters themselves…on Amazon. And while I detest Jeff Bezos, I equally understand that Amazon has been one of the only mediums for BIPOC authors to write stories for our children.
Most of the books suggested in this post are from chained retailers, and a couple from Amazon, but there are few notable independent publishing houses that sell diverse mindfulness books for children.
Mango & Marigold Press is an independent, South Asian-owned publishing house that sells South Asian books for kids.
Birchbark Books and Native Arts is owned by the literary legend, Louise Erdrich, who is an enrolled Turtle Mountain Band Chippewa. Birchbark boasts a large collection of Native American children’s books written by Indigenous authors.
Lee & Low Books is an independent, BIPOC-owned publishing house with an amazing collection of multicultural stories for children. They carry one of the most impressive assortments of diverse stories that also includes mindfulness books for children.
Crescent Moon is an online Islamic children’s bookstore that carries books, games and toys for Muslim children. With a large selection of Islamic books for kids ranging from babies to teens, an incredible resource from Muslim families and those looking to teach religious tolerance.
visit your public library to find mindfulness children’s books
If buying a collection of multicultural mindfulness children’s books is not within your budget, be sure to check out the local library. Your public library card is a passport to diverse cultures and gives one access to a plethora of literature to learn from…for free. Unless you’re like me and end up with late fees.
61 multicultural Mindfulness Books for Kids:
1. the boy with big, big feelings
Boys have feelings. Boys can have big feelings that they express openly. Boys should always been given space to be emotional and expressive beings. The Boy With Big, Big Feelings gives a tender and compassionate look into the life of a highly sensative boy who feels big emotions. He loves to laugh loudly at funny jokes and often cries when he hears the roar of a truck driving by. His feelings are so big that when someone around him is hurting, he, too, will hurt as if the pain was his own. The boy’s feelings are so big that sometimes he tries to stuff them and pretend that he’s like the other kids around him. But through art projects, he realizes that his big feelings make him special and should be celebrated!
To purchase: Barnes & Noble, $17.99
2. peace, bugs and understanding: an adventure in sibling harmony
Lily and her father were playing checkers and her little sister, Ruby, kept interrupting the game! This made Lily very angry and frustrated. When their father shares an old journal of her great grandfather’s, Lily learns to transform her anger into kindness and understanding.
To purchase: Barnes & Noble, $16.95
3. Thank you, Omu!
Thank you, Omg is a beautiful story of abundance and generosity, and that goodness and kind acts will always be rewarded. Omu is a generous woman woman who lives in a busy apartment building. One day when making stew, the delicious aroma draws in people from around the neighborhood and everyone wants a taste! Omu genrously shares her strew and then realizes that there’s none left for herself! But to her surprise, the neighbors return with gifts in tow.
To purchase: Barnes & Noble, $17.49 (Spanish version)
4. Llámame Árbol (call me a tree)
This beautiful, bilingual book teaches children to reach for their dreams and become their truest selves. We all begin as a small seed, but we have the power to become as tall and as strong a mighty tree. This lovely picture book is perfect for the mindful child looking to connect with their inner strength.
To purchase: Lee & Low, $18.95
5. Positive Ninja
Positive Ninja is a part of a fun series of mindfulness pictures books that features an adorable ninja who’s learning to deal with their feelings and emotions. In Positive Ninja, Ninja learns strategies transform their negativity to positivity!
To purchase: Barnes & Noble, $18.99
6. Hungry Johnny
Johnny is a young Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) boy who can’t wait to eat the delicious foods prepared by his grandma. Sweet rolls, wild rice, fruit salad and fried potatoes are all that Johnny can think about! He soon grows angry and impatient, but his dear grandmother gently teaches him the powerful lessons of patience, gratitude and respect.
To purchase: Birchbark Books, $17.95
7. I Am Enough
I Am Enough is a powerful mindfulness children’s book that teaches children that they were born for a purpose and uniquely made. They are able to soar as high as the sky and shine as bright as the sun because they are enough exactly as they are.
To purchase: Barnes & Noble, $16.99
8. the young muslim’s mindful book of wellbeing
Reaching into one’s own faith beliefs is a powerful tool in teaching mindfulness practices to children. For Muslim children, lessons of dealing with emotions, negative thoughts and letting go can be found in the Qur’an. The Young Muslim’s Mindful Book of Wellbeing also teaches children how to deal with jealousy, worry, friends and finding true happiness.
To purchase: Crescent Moon, $12.99
9. The Name Jar
Unhei has just moved to the United States from Korea and she’s afraid that no one will be able to pronounce her name. She decides to make a name jar and let her classmates choose a name for her. Unhei begins to practice having a brand new “American” name and images what it would be like to be a Suzy, Laura or Amanda, but soon realizes that her name is beautiful.
To purchase: Barnes & Noble, $7.99
10. pilar’s worries
Pilar is a wonderful dancer who loves ballet and finds joy in moving her body. Ballet calms her soul and makes her happy. But as dance tryouts are approaching, she finds herself filled with anxiety. Pilar uses coping tools to triumph over fear and conquers her anxiety.
To purchase: Barnes & Noble, $16.99
11. Anh’s Anger
Anh becomes very angry when his grandfather asks him to come to eat dinner and stop playing with his toys. His grandfather allows him to experience his powerful emotions and suggests that he goes to his room and sit with his anger. Anh soon learns what is means to sit with his anger and then release it.
To purchase: Barnes & Noble, $16.99
12. Master of Mindfulness: How to be Your Own Superhero in Times of Stress
It can be hard for children process difficult emotions when facing stressful times. Master of Mindfulness teaches children to pay attention to their feelings and to calm themselves in stressful moments.
To purchase: Barnes & Nobel, $14.95
13. Listening With My Heart: a story of kindness and self-compassion
Esperanza is a sweet girl who must learn to show empathy and love to herself. This lovely book teaches children about self-acceptance, resilience, mindfulness and showing kindness to one’s self.
To purchase: Barnes & Noble, $17.49 (Spanish version)
14. Jesus Calling
The Bible is filled with many mindful practices, scriptures and beliefs. From lessons on stillness, trust, self-awareness, communing with nature, self-love and more. This daily devotional for children helps them to feel Jesus’ presence in their lives, and to deal with everyday struggles they may face with compassion and awareness.
To purchase: Target, $9.50
15. Dear black boy: It’s okay to cry
The world puts so much pressure on Black and Brown boys to stuff their emotions and tears, but nothing is more masculine than boys and men who fully express their emotions. Dear Black Boy is a powerful book that touches on Black male mental health and the power of expressing emotions.
To purchase: Barnes & Noble, $20.00
16. MY HEART FILLS WITH HAPPINESS- SÂKASKINÊW NITÊH MIYWÊYIHTAMOWIN OHCI
Happiness is a revolutionary act of resistance. Allowing Black, Brown and Indigenous children to be filled with joy, happiness, beauty and imagination is imperative to their wellness and mental health. My Heart Fills With Happiness, written in both Plains Cree and English, is a lovely reminder to find the beauty in everyday life: embraces from loved ones, the sun on one’s face and the smells of freshly baked goods.
To purchase: Birchbark Books, $9.95
17. My Magic Breath
My Magic Breath is a beautifully illustrated children’s book that teaches mindful breathing. When life becomes busy and stressful, children can use the power of their magical breath to blow out anger and sadness and find calm and relaxation.
To purchase: Barnes & Noble, $16.49
18. mindful kids: 50 mindfulness ACTIVITIES for kindness, focus and calm
People of all ages can learn mindfulness exercises. This pack of 50 cards are filled with mindfulness activities that teach children kindness, focus and calm. The cards provide great relaxation exercises and are great for prompting mindful activities for children and adults alike.
To purchase: Barnes & Noble, 14.99
19. Good Morning Yoga: A Pose-by-pose Wake up story
There are many benefits to practicing yoga such as relaxation, self-awareness and focus. Children have the ability to learn these skills along side of adults. Good Morning Yoga teaches little ones simple yoga poses to help them start their day in a clam and reflective manner.
To purchase: Barnes & Noble, $15.95
20. Me and My feelings: A kids’ guide to understanding and expressing themselves
As parents, our children’s emotional intelligence should be just as much of a priority to us as their academic success. As children grow, their feelings and emotions constantly change— this feelings workbook is packed with fun tips, quizzes and exercises for teach kids to learn to understand their feelings better.
To purchase: Barnes & Noble, $9.99
21. You Hold Me Up- Ki Kîhcêyimin Mâna
You Hold Me Up is one of the most stunning mindfulness books for children with it’s vibrant illustrations and powerful message. Written in Plains Cree and English, it is a story support and caring for the well-being of others. It is the perfect book for parents and educators desiring to teach lessons of mutual love towards peers.
To purchase: Ratuken Kobo, $4.99
22. Hurry Up! A book about SLOWING down
Children constantly in a rush. When my girls were in public school, we woke up every morning at 5:00 a.m. to get to school by 7:30 a.m. We were constantly going and on the move, and we had to be mindful about slowing down and remembering simple pleasures. Hurry Up! teaches children to practice the art of slowing down and discovering the beauty in littles details that are missed when constantly rushing.
To purchase: Barnes & Noble, $17.99
23. mindfulness with aloha breath
Mindfulness is an important element of native Hawaiian culture. Mindfulness With Aloha Breath is the story about a young boy who eats too many donuts and gets a tummy ache. Soon afterwards, the “Aloha Spirit Laws” of akahai (kindess), lokahi (unity), 'olu'olu (gentleness), ha'aha'a (humility) and ahonui (patience) teach the boy a powerful lesson.
To purchase: Books Hawaii, $10.95
24. I AM THE TREE OF LIFE: MY JEWISH yoga book
I Am the Tree of Life is a yoga book for Jewish children. The Torah is often referred to as the Tree of Life as the faithful believe in its ever evolving power that transforms the faithful from within. Using lessons from the Torah and yoga, children learn to calm their bodies, strengthen their spirits and fully engage in mindful Jewish teachings.
To purchase: Barnes & Noble, $17.99
25. That thing about Bollywood
Mindfulness books for middle school ages—or mindfulness books for tweens—are great resources for teaching mindful coping skills during this very unique stage in life.
Sonali is an Indian-American middle schooler whose parents are on the verge of separating. Both Sonali and her little brother are struggling with the news: her brother can’t stop crying and she can’t find a way to express her emotions. As she tries to figure out how to cope with new life changes, strange occurrences begin to happen. Every time Sonali is upset, she breaks out in a Bollywood-style song and dance…and so do the other people around her! Follow Sonali on her journey to manage stress and process difficult emotions.
To purchase: Barnes & Noble, $17.99
26. Mindfulness for kids who worry: Calming exercise to overcome anxiety
Worry and anxiety are common in children these days. This book written for children ages 6-9 was designed for anxious child, and provides calming exercises that aid in easing worry.
To purchase: Barnes & Noble, $12.99
27. We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga
Expressing gratitude is such an important spiritual practice, and it’s never too early to teach these principles to children. Gratitude for kids is not a new phenomenon and many Native American cultures have passed these fundamental values down for generations. We Are Grateful is a Cherokee story that encourages children to express gratitude in every season life brings. Thankfulness is a spiritual virtue.
To purchase: Birchbark Books, $17.99
28. me and my fear
When a young immigrant girl arrives in a new country, her fear comes along with her. Her fear tells her that everything is new and scary and that she can’t possibly make new friends if she cannot even speak the same language as the kids in her new school. Her fear makes her feel alone and powerless, but she soon triumphs over all her worries and realizes that she is stronger than fear itself.
To purchase: Barnes & Noble, $17.95 (Spanish version)
29. Think big, little one
Your mindful toddlers will find inspiration from this board book featuring eighteen visionary women from around the world. From scientists, artists, musicians, inventors and architects…your little one will feel inspired to reach for their highest dreams!
To purchase: Target, $8.99
30. One wave at a time: A story about grief and healing
Grief and loss are apart of the human experience, and children are not immune from feelings its impact. The earlier children learn to manage grief, the more emotionally well-rounded they will become. Grief comes in waves as does healing, this powerful book teaches children how they, too, can manage its impact.
To purchase: Barnes & Noble, $16.99
31. i can do hard things: mindful affirmations for kids
Affirmations are powerful. Affirmations can help one rewire negative thinking and change the way one sees oneself. Finding positive affirmations for kids to repeat is a great way to build self-esteem and resilience. This book of mindful affirmations for kids will help your children start their day in a positive way and remind them that they, too, can do hard things!
To purchase: Barnes & Noble, $19.99 (Spanish version)
32. Be Gentle With Yourself First
Be gentle with yourself. This is a lesson that both adults and children need to be reminded of— we all need to hear, “be gentle with yourself, you’re doing the best that you can” from time-to-time. We often teach children to be gentle and kind to others, but it’s imperative that they understand to also show themselves this same compassion. This inspiring coloring book is filled with over 60 quotes that foster self-compassion, and is great for children and teens!
To purchase: Amazon, $6.95
33. When We Are Kind / Nihá’ádaahwiinít’íigo
Written in both Diné (Navajo) and English, When We Are Kind invites children to discover how they feel when they do kind acts for others and when they are the recipients of kindness. The smallest acts of kindness have the powerful to transform lives!
To purchase: Birchbark Books, $19.95
34.Finding om
Anu is a young Indian-African girl learning important mindfulness lessons from her grandfather, Appuppa. Appuppa takes Anu on a personal journey of discovering the mantra, Om, and Anu learns that the universe is buzzing with life.
To purchase: Mango and Marigold Press, $19.95
35. Boys can journal, too: A journal for boys to express their feelings
I don’t want to sound like a broken record, but I cannot stress how important it is to hold space for boys to express their feelings and to normalize boys expressing emotion. Most mindfulness books for teens are geared towards girls. One can find a plethora of books, journals, positive affirmations mindfulness cards for them and just handful for teen boys. Teen boys face negative body images, are fighting against social constructs of masculinity, are struggling with anxiety and peer pressures. Mindful journaling is a powerful tool for teen boys.
To purchase: Amazon, $10.95
36. I Am! Positive Affrimations For resilience
I am brave. I am calm. I am loved. I am important. Having positive affirmations for kids to recite is a powerful tool for building self esteem, self-love, self-acceptance and personal resilience. I Am! is book of positive affirmations for toddlers and young children that is easy for them to understand and process.
To purchase: Barnes & Noble, $9.99
37. The color of us
Loving the skin you’re in is revolutionary power. Some of us have lighter skin; some of us have darker skin. No matter what one’s skin tone may be, it is beautiful and a part of one’s divine uniqueness.
To purchase: Target, $7.99
38. I Am human: A book of empathy
Humans are capable of incredible things: we can be happy, we can dream and fully enjoy life. But being human also means feeling a wide range of emotions that aren’t always positive, and being human also means failing and making mistakes. We will need empathy life’s journey— empathy for ourselves and others.
To purchase: Barnes & Noble, $14.99
39. Mateo finds his wow: a story of gratitude and wonder
Mateo’s Saturday afternoon is ruined by pouring rain and he’s stuck, bored inside of the house. An angry Mateo decides to make a list of all the things he can’t do and wallow in his misfortune. Eventually, Mateo finds his “wow” in the simple things around him, and turns his negativity into gratitude.
To purchase: Barnes & Noble, $18.99
40. Tough guys have feelings too
Though out generations, boys have been taught to be “tough” and discouraged from expressing emotions. But tough guys have feelings. Dads have feelings. Wrestlers have feelings. Ninjas have feelings and superheroes do, too. Tough guys feel all kinds of emotions.
To purchase: Barnes & Noble, $17.95
41. badass black girl: quotes, questions and affirmations for teens
Being a Black girl is beautiful! Our hair, our skin, our features and our personalities make us unique. This special book is filled with affirmations and quotes especially for Black girls.
To purchase: Barnes & Noble, $16.95
42. breath with me
Mindful breathing is a powerful practice for children. Our breaths have the power to calm us, make us happy and to bring out our inner strength. Breathing helps to calm us when sad, mad or worried and is easy to do. The book is filled with easy breathing exercises for kids that will have them calm in no time!
To purchase: Barnes & Noble, $15.95
43. giving thanks: a Native American morning message
Giving Thanks is a special book of gratitude based on the beliefs of the Indigenous peoples of Canada and upstate New York. Apart of Iroquois (Six Nations) custom is to give thanks for Earth’s many blessings: the stars that shine, food that nourishes, blue water and all of nature’s bounty.
To purchase: Birchbark Books, $10.95 (Spanish version)
44. calm ninja
If you’re looking for children’s books about calming down, then loo no further! Our friend ninja is back with new mindful wisdom. Ninja begins to experience anxiety and worry and doesn’t know what to do! Life is stressful for our little ninja but they soon learn to learn to stay calm during tough circumstances.
To purchase: Barnes & Noble, $18.99
45. A handful of quiet: happiness in four pebbles
Thich Nhat Hanh is a Vietnamese Buddhist monk, global activist and poet. His latest book introduces children to pebble meditation that helps them connect with nature and live in the present moment. It is one of the simplest meditation techniques that encourages stress-reduction, gratitude and to deal with complex feelings and emotions. Pebble meditation is easy to learn and something that children can do on their own when managing intense emotions.
To purchase: Barnes & Noble, $14.95
46. let’s talk about body BOUNDARIES, consent & respect
I couldn’t write a list of mindfulness children’s books without including one that teaches on body boundaries, consent and respect. Being aware of one’s feelings and emotions is very important, but being aware of one’s personal body boundaries and the body boundaries of others is just as important. Let’s Talk About Body Boundaries, Consent and Respect takes an age-appropriate approach to teaching consent, body boundaries and how to have respectful relationships.
To purchase: Target, $9.99
47. eyes that kiss in the corners
When a young Asian girl notices that her eyes look different than all the other kids in class, she goes on a journey of self-acceptance and loving her eyes that kiss in the corner and glow like warm tea. Her eyes may not look like everyone’s in class, but they are beautiful just like her mother’s, sister’s and grandmother’s.
To purchase: Target, $14.35
48. Here and now
Here and Now celebrates children living in the present moment and mindfully connecting to the world, even in the midsts of anxieties.
To purchase: Target, $14.69
49. all about my feelings: Activity coloring book
This fun activity coloring is the perfect way to teach kids about their feelings and exploring emotions.
To purchase: Barnes & Noble, $6.59
50. just ask: be different, be brave, be you
Just Ask is a beautiful book written by Supreme Court Justice, Sonia Sotomayor, that celebrates our differences. Everyone has something special to contribute and sometimes it’s our differences that qualify us for special tasks! Being different makes you brave!
To purchase: Target, $14.00
51. Teach your child meditation
There are so many benefits to meditation such as stress reduction, a decrease in negative emotions and an increase in self-awareness and patience. Meditation has proven effective in treating anxiety in both children and adults, and even helps to boost creativity! From relaxation tips and mindful breathing for kids techniques, your child will learn to become more aware of themselves.
To purchase: Barnes & Noble, $15.95
52. No worries! An activity book for young people who sometimes feel anxious or stressed
This no worries activity book was made with the anxious and stressed young ones in mind. Packed full of fun activities to help bring calm and ease to your worried child, and to help them precess their feelings and destress.
To purchase: Amazon, $11.74
53. the happiest tree: a yoga story
Meena was chosen to be a tree in her class' rendition of Little Red Riding Hood, but she soon becomes filled with fear because she doesn’t feel graceful and calm enough to play a tree. Meena becomes plagued by worry but the owner of the local Indian market persuades her to sign up for a children’s yoga class, and she embarks on a journey towards self-confidence.
To purchase: Lee & Low Books, $10.95
54. la amistad que necesito: como darme cariño y bondad a mi mismo
Being kind to ourselves can be hard to do. We fail and make mistakes and it’s easy to to shift into negative thoughts instead of showing compassion to ourselves. In this story, children will learn to be a good friend to themselves and to express self-love and self-forgiveness.
To purchase: Barnes & Noble, $18.99 (English version)
55. I can do that! a book on self-regulation
Self-regulating is difficult but with the right techniques, any child can be empowered to regulate their own actions, moods and behaviors. Told in rhythmic form, I Can do That teaches children to take charge of their emotions and actions when they begin to feel overwhelmed and angry.
To purchase: Barnes & Noble, $9.50
56. Thanku: Poems of Gratitude
Learning to express gratitude during good times and bad times—and for big things and small things—is an important life skill. Thanku is a collection of poems of gratitude written by varying Black, Brown and Indigenous poets, and would be a wonderful addition to any home or classroom library.
To purchase: Birchbark Books, $19.99
57. baby calm: an abc of mindfulness
It’s never too early to begin teaching mindfulness to children—even babies benefit from mindful values. This cute mindfulness baby book explores a range of emotions through each letter of the alphabet.
To purchase: Barnes & Noble, $12.99
58. Even Superheroes Make Mistakes
Did you know that superheroes have bad days, too? They get angry and they get sad; they have good days and they have bad ones. Superheroes even feel lonely and scared. This action-packed book teaches children how to cope with overwhelming feelings though nature walks, helping others and bike rides.
To purchase: Barnes & Noble, $16.95
59. The stress reduction workbook for teens
This stress reduction workbook for teens is perfect for teaching stress management. Pin pointing triggers of stress and how to balance them before they pile up is an important skill for any teen. This workbook will help your teen learn to manage their emotions through mindful practices.
To purchase, Target, $16.79
60. Ravi’s Roar
Ravi never mined being small… until the day he realized that couldn’t reach the money bars on the playground. Ravi gets so angry that he becomes like a roaring tiger but his friends don’t want to play with a tiger who doesn’t treat them nicely! Ravi soon learns the important lesson of not giving into his temper.
To purchase: Target, $7.99
61. Mindfulness game
Mindfulness games are fun, interactive and perfect for the whole family! Adults, teens and children will love this game created by professionals that teaches self care, social skills and mindful practices!
To purchase: Amazon, $15.99
What are your favorite multicultural mindfulness books for kids?
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