16 Books About Mindfulness and Meditation for Younger Kids
by Keith Rice
If the year so far has demonstrated anything, it is the importance of practicing mindfulness, developing coping mechanisms, and indulging in self-care. Whether it’s meditation, yoga, or simply making time for the things that make us happy, being mindful of our emotional and mental wellbeing is key to being fulfilled in life. Children of all ages can benefit from mindfulness techniques to help reduce stress, focus on their thoughts, and unpack their emotions. Fortunately, there are plenty of books to introduce them to mindfulness at various ages and stages.
Here are 16 books that will help younger kids learn how to slow down, focus on their breathing, and become more mindful of big emotions swirling around inside them.
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Mindfulness Moments for Kids: Hot Cocoa Calm
Available from:Introduce your child to the concept of using their breath to regulate emotions with this book about mindfulness. Simple exercises, colorful artwork, adorable animal characters, and a sturdy board book format make it perfect for young children.
(Ages 0 - 3)Also available from: -
Elmo Is Mindful (Sesame Street)
Available from:Everyone could use a little help being more mindful, so Elmo is on a mission to help his Sesame Street friends - and the kids in your life - stay calm and focused. Sometimes it's hard to control our emotions, and this book offers tips for preschoolers on what to do when they're scared, angry, overwhelmed, and more.
(Ages 2 - 5)Also available from: -
Sometimes, All I Need Is Me
Available from:Youâre never too little to learn about self-care and mindfulness. This gorgeous picture book celebrates the comforts of home and shows young readers how to find courage and strength within themselves. Bold colors and symmetrical illustrations make this charming story even more reassuring.
(Ages 2 - 5)Also available from: -
You Are a Lion! And Other Fun Yoga Poses
Available from:With its bright, cheerful illustrations and playful storytelling style, You Are a Lion is a great way to introduce your children to the benefits of yoga. Featuring a host of kid-friendly poses, You Are a Lion! inspires imaginative play as children learn both stretching and breathing techniques that encourage focus, calm, and â most importantly â fun.
(Ages 3 â 5)Also available from: -
Calm with The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Available from:The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Eric Carleâs most beloved creation, has been charming children for over half a century. Join everyoneâs favorite caterpillar on a simple and engaging journey towards relaxation. With simple coping mechanisms and breathing strategies brought to life in Carleâs distinctive collage-style artwork, Calm with The Very Hungry Caterpillar is the perfect way to help little ones on their mindfulness journey.
(Ages 3 â 5)Also available from: -
The Rabbit Listened
Available from:This endearing tale of empathy and kindness is an ideal way to illustrate the value of simply listening and providing comfort. When something sad happens, Taylor turns to his animal friends for comfort. As each takes a turn telling Taylor what he should be doing, Taylor realizes this isnât what he needs. It is only when he encounters a rabbit that Taylor realizes sometimes having someone simply listen to you is all the comfort and healing one needs.
(Ages 3 â 5)Also available from: -
The Little Book of Joy
Available from:His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu share their childhood stories in this stunning picture book. Through their experiences, readers learn that they can find joy within themselves even in troubled times. When shared with others, it can change the world. Beautiful artwork and an empowering message make this book a must-have.
(Ages 3 - 7)Also available from: -
Mindfulness Activities for Kids (And Their Grown-ups)
Available from:There is no better time to explore mindfulness practices with your kids. This book has over 40 activities designed for parents and children to do together. Youâll develop a deeper relationship with your child and cultivate valuable mindfulness skills as you work through them.
(Ages 3 - 7)Also available from: -
A Quieter Story
Available from:Getting to know yourself, your limits, and recognizing what you need are essential skills for everyone. In this cute book, a little girl writes a story about her kitten, who demands more thrills and chills than he can handle. He needs a quieter story to calm his nerves and help him settle down.
(Ages 4 - 6)Also available from: -
Breathe Like a Bear
Available from:These 30 breathing exercises are perfect for kids who are on the go. Incorporating these practices into their daily routines can be beneficial to their overall mindfulness. This charming book is delightfully illustrated so kids will eagerly follow along as everyone takes a moment to breathe.
(Ages 4 - 8)Also available from: -
Meanwhile Back on Earth...
Available from:From the beloved creator of the bestselling books Here We Are and What Weâll Build comes another heartfelt picture book about finding your place in the universe. Through Oliver Jeffersâs unique perspective, readers take a step back from Earth and the universe, seeing them with fresh eyes. If youâre interested in reading books about mindfulness, this is an excellent place to start.
(Ages 4 - 8)Also available from: -
My Heart
Available from:This beautifully-rendered picture book is all about recognizing the power of the heart and the importance of kindness and empathy. Featuring an engaging and recurring rhyming structure, My Heart is a study in the complexity of our emotions. A wonderful lesson in growing more in tune with your own feelings, it will help children learn how to deal with the multitude of human emotions.
(Ages 4 â 8)Also available from: -
Alex Can't Sleep
Just the right amount of movement can help kids go to sleep easier. In this story, a young boy named Alex has difficulty settling down after a rotten day. With help from his mom and a few yoga poses, Alex relaxes and finally drifts off to sleep. This interactive story is perfect for kids who want to add yoga to their bedtime routine.
(Ages 4 - 8)(On sale: )
Preorder from: -
Sit with Me
Available from:Teach your child how to meditate with the easy-to-follow instructions in this adorable picture book. The rhyming text and cute animal characters will have your kids meditating like pros in no time.
(Ages 4 - 8)Also available from: -
The Seed of Compassion
Available from:Before he was a great leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama was an ordinary child. Growing up in Tibet, his mother taught him the importance of kindness, and now he passes that wisdom on to the littlest readers. With simpleâyet powerfulâtext, the Dalai Lama shares the universalist teachings of treating one another with compassion.
(Ages 4 - 8)Also available from: -
Calm: Mindfulness for Kids
Available from:Developing the ability to focus and understand our thoughts and feelings is an important life skill, one that can be slightly challenging to teach children. Calm: Mindfulness for Kids features a host of fun activities to help your child begin a mindfulness journey. It is a fun and engaging way to help children focus on their thoughts and feelings so they can better interpret the world around them.
(Ages 6 â 9)Also available from:
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2020 and updated in 2022.