CHILDREN'S BOOKS FOR PARENTS & EDUCATORS
On Being Human and Human Qualities
- I Am Human: A Book of Empathy by Susan Verde (2018). “A child recognizes his own humanity, his capacity for doing harm and being harmed, his ability to feel joy and sadness, and his belief in hope and promise to keep learning.” The Author’s note guides readers through a loving-kindness meditation.
- I Am Love: A Book of Compassion by Susan Verde (2019). "Love means showing kindness, living with gratitude, and taking care of our minds and bodies. Letting our hearts lead the way can help move us closer to a better world." The Author’s note guides readers through heart-opening yoga poses and a heart meditation.
- All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold (2018) celebrates kindness, inclusivity, and diversity with beautiful illustrations.
- Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller (2018) “explores what kindness is, and how any act, big or small, can make a difference- or at least helps a friend.”
- Hey Warrior by Karen Young (2017) helps the reader “understand why anxiety feels the way it does and where the physical symptoms come from” so as to feel empowered. It shows that “people can change because brains can change.”
- Say Something! by Peter H. Reynolds (2019) encourages readers to use their voices and shows different ways that we can “Say something” with words, art, music, courage, or presence.
- Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty (2013) shows that failure is not something to fear, but celebrate and honors passion and persistence.
- Iggy Peck, Architect by Andrea Beaty (2007) celebrates individual talents and self-expression.
- My Magic Breath: Finding Calm Through Mindful Breathing by Nick Ortner and Alison Taylor (2018) is a good bedtime book showing how processing the day and using your breath can help your mood.
- Listening with My Heart: A Story of Kindness and Self-Compassion by Gabi Garcia (2017) also includes a helpful note to parents and educators
- Listening to My Body by Gabi Garcia (2017) helps all understand the connection between sensations and feelings, teaching readers to practice identifying and naming what they are experiencing, so they can get better at figuring out what they need. Includes a helpful note to parents and teachers and “Let’s Practice” activities at the bottom of some pages, so readers can practice what they are learning.
- I Can Do Hard Things: Mindful Affirmations for Kids by Gabi Garcia (2018). “Hard things can be about the things we think, feel, say or do. What’s hard for me may not be hard for you. You are you, and I am me. We walk through the world differently.”
- My Mind is Strong: A Story About Developing Mental Strength by Niels Van Hove (2017) shows how Kate “uses her strong mind to tackle her daily challenges with a positive attitude.”
- The Lemonade Hurricane: A Story About Mindfulness and Meditation by Licia Morelli (2015) illustrates how Emma teaches her younger brother Henry how to be still showing how meditation can make a big difference in both their lives. A helpful Author’s Note and fun illustrations show how you can practice too,
- Words to Love By by Rick Warren (2018) helps readers “understand how their words have the power to change their lives and the lives of those around them.”
- Carmela Full of Wishes by Matt De La Peña (2018) is a “timely ode to the bravery of dreamers and to the power of hope.”
- The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson (2018) celebrates “the bravery it takes to go forth even when you feel like an outsider” and what can happen “when we reach out and begin to share our story.”
- The Magic Is Inside You: Powerful & Positive Thinking For Confident Kids by Cathy Domoney (2018). Madeleine "learns how to take control of her thinking and turn her thoughts into a powerful, positive, can-do mindset leading to confidence and success." Includes activities to help kids develop a positive self-esteem.
- Michael Rosen’s Sad Book by Michael Rosen (2004). Michael Rosen tells about all the emotions that accompany his sadness over the death of his son, and how he tries to cope.
- A Little Spot of Anxiety: A Story About Calming Your Worries by Diane Alber (2019). We all needs to remember that we have the power to calm our anxiety spot down to a peaceful spot.