Help Kids Remain Mindful During Remote Learning with These Five Books

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The Children’s Book Review | October 19, 2020

Doesn’t it feel like we’re all just hanging in there? Juggling our kids’ remote learning with work and spending far too much time staring at a computer screen for virtual lessons and meetings. Adults and kids alike are feeling stressed and disconnected. If you’re ready to move beyond the heaviness of this challenging moment in time and help the kiddos in your life to feel good, too, a positive mindset and strong relationships with ourselves and each other is key. The following picture book selections will help kids (and you) remain mindful and connected during remote learning.

Hello, Moon!: A Yoga Moon Salutation for Bedtime

Written and Illustrated by Sarah Jane Hinder

If ever there was a time to check in with ourselves at the end of each day, it’s now! With Hello, Moon!, author-illustrator and yoga instructor Sarah Jane Hinder guides children through a Moon Salutation yoga flow that will have them connecting with their minds and bodies to wind down the day. The gorgeous and rich illustrations draw the reader in for a mindful practice that is wholly joyful and will be sure to leave them with an internal glow as bright as the moon. The rhyming text flows beautifully, step-by-step instructions are included, along with a brief history of Moon Salutation, and there is also the companion volume Hello, Sun! A Yoga Sun Salutation to Start Your Day.

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Ages 4-8 | Publisher: Sounds True | ISBN-13: 978-1683646228

Dinos Don’t Do Yoga

Written by Catherine Bailey

Illustrated by Alex Willmore

Living in a world of chomping and stomping takes a toll! Readers learn from this delightful picture book that it’s possible to see past our differences and that there is great strength in practicing kindness in the face of rudeness. When Yogasaurus moves into Rex’s valley, Rex is less than impressed by the yoga-pant-wearing dino and his mindful practices. It turns out that there’s more behind Rex’s tough appearance. Maybe trying something new will provide Rex with a fresh new mindset, a new friend, and a new practice. The illustrations are created with a perfect blend of muddied colors. The facial expressions on the dinos’ faces are incredibly telling—young readers will have no trouble seeing and feeling Rex’s learning curve from these entertaining visual clues.

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Ages 4-8 | Publisher: Sounds True | ISBN-13:  978-1683644149

I Am the Jungle: A Yoga Adventure

Written by Melissa Hurt

Illustrated by Katy Tanis

In times that feel a little out of control, sometimes the best way to gain a sense of self is to let loose and explore. Through the use of movement—a yoga flow adventure—author Melissa Hurt lets the reader’s mind soar and escape. Through this escape, the reader is ultimately connecting to their inner-self and the natural world surrounding them. The illustrations are enchanting and alluring as the diverse cast of children, enveloped by the jungle and it’s inhabitants, freely explore the wilderness. I Am the Jungle is a playful and joyful picture book that will leave readers feeling both grounded and connected to their world. A parents’ and teachers’ guide with Sanskrit names and physical benefits of each yoga pose is included in the end pages. The jungle is in all of us—a blend of wild and free emotions, thoughts, and our connection with all living things. Lovely!

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Ages 4-8 | Publisher: Sounds True | ISBN-13:  978-1683643821

Meditation Station

Written by Susan B. Katz

Illustrated by Anait Semirdzhyan

Using an analogy that even the youngest reader will understand, award-winning author Susan B. Katz introduces the concept of meditation with ease. Thoughts are like trains speeding by on the railroad tracks one after the other. When we take control of our breath and become present, we can begin to sit with our thoughts or let them roll on past. We can become the conductor learning to calm our mind and body. The main character is an adorably sweet bear who is always smiling and radiates happiness on each page.

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Ages 4-8 | Publisher: Bala Kids | ISBN-13: 978-1611807912

And the People Stayed Home

Written by Kitty O’Meara

Illustrated by Stefano DiCristofaro and Paul Pereda

And the People Stayed Home is a positive response to the global COVID-19 pandemic and the effects of quarantine. The poem gives readers a hopeful message that encourages inner healing. Kids and adults will receive a dose of optimism as the text and illustrations unveil an appreciation for the simple things. The book also works as an inspirational list of things to do and ways of being. Joy and hope can be found during the pandemic. Home can offer surprising adventures. O’Meara reminds us to be still and to listen. When we meet our shadows, we can learn to think differently and even heal.

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Ages 4-8 | Publisher: Tra Publishing | ISBN-13: 978-1734761788

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