I want to add this book to the professional collection where I work. It is excellent for ideas about mindfulness without coming off as new age leaning and what not (you know, what people hate these days) ( )

This alphabet picture book helps children learn about calming themselves with mindful breathing by using creative techniques from A to Z. For instance, B is for a butterfly breath in which you gently move your arms like wings during in and out breaths while J is for a joint breath done in unison with a friend or family member. Just reading this book is soothing, but actually stopping to do the breaths as described, with slow in and out breaths while making a wish or thinking of someone for whom you are grateful, is a gift in itself. This is definitely good for sharing as a lapsit read or even asking your child (or students) to do one breath a day together until you get through the whole alphabet. I'm not sure that it would work as well for a group readaloud (e.g., storytime), but it might work depending on the audience. ( )

In Alphabreaths, children will learn their ABCs and the basics of mindfulness through playful breathing exercises. Breaths like Mountain Breath and Redwood Breath will connect them with nature, while breaths like Heart Breath and Wish Breath will help them remember to fill their heart with gratitude and send good wishes to others. Simple, playful, and with delightful illustrations, Alphabreaths is the perfect introduction to mindfulness and breath awareness.