Tag Archives: mindfulness

A Time for Reflection: Books about Peace

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With the stress of the holiday season now passed, now is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and once again find peace. “Peace” may refer to a time without war or disagreement, or it may mean a sense of calmness and tranquility. Find listed below several children’s books about all kinds of peace to help you to define what peace means to you.

If you’re interested in finding more books about peace, search the catalog using keywords such as “juvenile fiction” for fiction books, “juvenile literature” for nonfiction books, and an additional term such as “peace,” “peacemakers,” or “mindfulness.”

Cali, Davide and Serge Bloche
The Enemy. 2009 (Picture Book).
A deep yet surprisingly simple look at the mindset of war, this saddening story explores the ugliness of hate, and the hopefulness of peace. The plain line-drawing illustrations mixed with real photographs make a powerful impact.
[Q. SE. C128en]

Klein, Carol Swartout
Painting for Peace in Ferguson. 2015 (Nonfiction).
Entirely kid-friendly, this account of a modern-day peace movement showcases some of the art and artists of Ferguson, Missouri in the wake of a frightening and saddening event. Boarded up buildings became works of art as local community members worked together to paint messages of peace.
[Q. S.917.7866 K6721p]

Kor, Paul
The Hawk and the Dove. 2019 (Picture Book).
Through clever paper cuts, this book follows the story of a feisty hawk who feels tired and sad from all of the war he has wrought, and decides to change into a dove. Suddenly, weapons of war all over the world turn into beautiful things, leaving the dove to wonder if it will last.
[Q. SE. K8423ha]

Lebox, Annette
Peace is an Offering. 2017 (Picture Book).
Explore all of the subtler, quieter moments throughout the day in which one can find peace with others. This tender-hearted book shows that even in times of great sadness, peace can be found.
[SE. L4933p]

Meng, Cece
World Pizza. 2017 (Picture Book).
When Mama sneezes while wishing for world peace, suddenly the entire globe is covered in pizzas. But could it be that Mama still gets her true wish? Fans of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs will love this silly tale of flying food.
[Q. SE. M524wo]

Mirza, Sandrine
People of Peace: 40 Inspiring Icons. 2018 (Nonfiction).
This cute and colorful book provides quick biographies and interesting infographics about forty peacemakers, including many recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize.
[S.327.172092 M679pe]

Moore, Sandra
The Peace Tree from Hiroshima: The Little Bonsai with a Big Story. 2015 (Picture Book).
Follow the story of a little tree, nicknamed “Miyajima,” as it continues to grow through generations of a Japanese family. When the bomb is dropped and the tree survives, it suddenly becomes a symbol of something much greater: Peace.
[Q. SE. M7866p]

Ortner, Nick and Alison Taylor
My Magic Breath: Finding Calm through Mindful Breathing. 2018 (Nonfiction).
Find inner peace through the power of your own breath, and feel your worries fade away. This introduction to mindful breathing is simple yet effective, and completely kid-friendly.
[S.158.12083 Or88my]

Parr, Todd
The Peace Book. 2004 (Picture Book).
From taking a nap, to learning another language, to giving shoes to someone in need, this book explores many definitions of peace using the bold and colorful illustrative style that all Todd Parr fans enjoy.
[SE. P246p]

Pinkney, Andrea David
Peace Warriors. 2013 (Nonfiction).
This chapter book provides biographies of six prolific peacemakers from across the globe: Mahatma Gandhi, Dorothy Day, Martin Luther King, Jr., Desmond Tutu, Dalai Lama, and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. Complete with pictures and lots of information, this is a great book for those interested in learning about people of peace.
[S.327.172 P6565p]

Verde, Susan
I am Peace. 2017 (Picture Book).
This gentle journey from worry and anxiety to peace and serenity teaches readers that it is okay to slow down and find one’s feet again. A lesson in mindfulness applicable to readers of all ages, this is a great read for anyone who feels stressed from time to time.
[SE. V583iape]

(CD)

A Summer of Movement and Mindfulness

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Summer vacation is a great time to finally relax from the stress of the school year. After a year of homework and tests, kids deserve a break. It’s easy to fall into a routine of playing video games and eating junk food, however, and no one wants to turn into a couch potato by the middle of June! Staying active during the summer months is crucial for mental and physical health, and it can be a great way to socialize with old and new friends. From joining a local sports club to going for walks on a beautiful summer evening to practicing indoor yoga when it’s a little too hot outside, staying active in the summer can be easy and fun! Check out the list of books below to help inspire your summer exercise goals. Your mind and body will thank you.
To find more children’s books about exercising or meditating, please use the online catalog and search subject terms similar to “exercise” and “juvenile” or “meditation” and “juvenile.” Happy searching!

Beliveau, Kathy.
The Yoga Game by the Sea. 2014.
Written in charming rhymes, each page offers readers a riddle to determine the next yoga pose. Full of delightful, “beachy” illustrations, this book teaches children easy and relaxing beginner yoga poses.
[SSHEL S-Collection SE. B4126y]

Burstein, John.
A Million Moves: Keeping Fit. 2008.
Follow Lucas as he attempts to get in shape for the President’s Challenge, a fitness test required by his school’s gym class. With the help of narrator “Slim Goodbody,” Lucas learns how to develop a healthy diet and live an active lifestyle. After exercising and strengthening his body for 10 weeks, Lucas is ready to complete the President’s Challenge.
[SSHEL S-Collection S.613.71 B949m]

Carle, Eric.
From Head to Toe. 1997.
Complete with Eric Carle’s signature illustrations, this book teaches children an early lesson on different parts of the body and how to move them to stay healthy. With the help of colorful animals that inspire fun exercises for kids, this book is a great way to teach kids the importance of exercising and adopting a healthy lifestyle early in life.
[SSHEL S-Collection Q. SE. C1922f]

Cronin, Doreen.
Stretch. 2009.
This book is a fun, whimsical read that introduces the concept of movement to young readers. By prompting readers to “stretch with me,” the book encourages children to keep their bodies active and flexible.
[SSHEL S-Collection SE. C8811st]

Holsonback, Anita.
Monkey See, Monkey Do: An Animal Exercise Book for You! 1997.
While reading fun rhymes about different animals in the wild, readers are prompted to mimic each animal’s signature move. Whether you stomp like an elephant or hop like a frog, this book is sure to entertain while getting your blood flowing.
[SSHEL S-Collection Q.SE. H741V:E]

Maze, Stephanie.
Keeping Fit from A to Z = Mantente en Forma de la A a la Z. 2014.
Follow along with the alphabet and learn English and Spanish vocabulary focused on fun activities for all ages and interests. Both languages are equally presented alongside colorful pictures of each activity. Examples of fun indoor and outdoor games are included in the back of the book.
[SSHEL S-Collection Q. S.613.7042 K255]

Murphy, Stuart J.
Happy, Healthy Ajay. 2012.
Ajay wants to become healthier and stronger so he can keep up with his friends while playing tag. He learns that eating healthy snacks and meals, playing outside for exercise, and drinking lots of water help him feel healthier and happier.
[SSHEL S-Collection SE. M957ha]

Pittar, Gill.
Milly, Molly and the Tree Hut. 2003.
Milly and Molly’s friend Maxter spends all of his time watching TV. One day, his mother shoos him outside so that he can get some much-needed exercise, but Maxter doesn’t know how to exercise. Milly and Molly convince him to build a tree house in his backyard, and once he sees how fun the project is, Maxter realizes he doesn’t want to waste his time watching TV anymore.
[SSHEL S-Collection SE. P686mt]

Rockwell, Lizzy.
The Busy Body Book: A Kid’s Guide to Fitness. 2004.
By celebrating the amazing things the human body can do, this book teaches children about the different components and functions of the body, like the skeletal, muscular, and digestive systems. This book promotes play, exercise, adequate water intake, and rest.
[SSHEL S-Collection Q. S.612 R594b]

Russo, Brian.
Yoga Bunny. 2017.
Bunny tries to convince his friends to practice yoga with him, but they’re all too busy. Bunny doesn’t let this deter him, however, and continues his deep breathing and yoga poses. As his friends see how relaxed Bunny looks, they decide to give yoga a try after all.
[SSHEL S-Collection SE. R9216y]

Stewart, Whitney.
Meditation is an Open Sky: Mindfulness for Kids. 2015.
This wonderful book teaches kids different meditation practices for different scenarios and feelings. If you’re feeling distracted, look for the meditation practice about focus and clarity. If you’re feeling upset, use the practice for controlling “bursting emotions” and help calm your mind. This book acts as a reassuring friend who offers great advice on how to become more relaxed and mindful.
[SSHEL S-Collection S.158.12 St499m]

Van Genechten, Guido.
Max Exercises. 2008.
Max leads his group of friends in some fun outdoor exercises. Starting with basic stretches and ending with an impressive pyramid, Max and his friends learn that being active together is a great way to stay healthy and have fun.
[SSHEL S-Collection SE. G286m:E]