Mindfulness has been shown to build self-awareness, compassion, and happiness in kids of all ages and although we as adults might be good at prioritizing mindfulness in our lives, we don’t always extend that to our children. Although we know that mindfulness and meditation can be wildly beneficial to kids, we might not have the tools to teach them about this sacred practice. Thankfully, there are tons of books that are geared towards kids and their blossoming minds, that will help you do just that- and I’ve put together a list of my top 10 mindfulness books for kids to get you started. 

Age- Under 5 

For the under 5 crowd you’ll want to stick to picture books that help to introduce the idea of mindfulness as a general concept, even if there aren’t any guided practices in the book. At this stage we just want to introduce mindfulness as a fun and special thing that kids can do to control their emotions and connect with themselves. 

Mindfulness for Little Ones: Playful Activities to Foster Empathy, Self-Awareness, and Joy in Kids By Heidi France

This book is designed just for kids 2-5 which is great, because many books are geared towards kids that are over 5. Mindfulness for Little Ones helps kids build coping skills, and learn how to fight overwhelm. It also includes a guide in the front that will help you get the most out of this book. 

Breathe Like a Bear: 30 Mindful Moments for Kids to Feel Calm and Focused Anytime, Anywhere by Kira Willey 

This book is filled with 30 short and simple breath techniques for kids to try on their own. Paired with fun illustrations and great descriptions this book is perfect for your little ones that are trying to connect with their breath. 

Happy: A Beginner’s Book of Mindfulness by Nicola Edwards

This is quickly becoming one of my favorite books to read during a kid’s yoga class because of it’s way of addressing emotions and being present in the moment. It encourages kids to connect with the world around them and to find wonder in their surroundings. This is great for parents that are trying to teach their children about being present in the world. 

ABC for Me: ABC Mindful Me: ABCs for a happy, healthy mind & body By Christiane Engel

Have kids that are still chewing on books as you read to them? No problem- this mindfulness book is a board book that is designed for your kids under 3 that might still struggle with full-blown picture books but still love discovering and exploring through reading. 

Age- Elementary school aged

When kids build a little more independence and have a higher reading comprehension then you can start adding some of these books that add practices and a more complex idea of mindfulness. 

I Am Peace- A Book of Mindfulness By Susan Verde 

This award winning picture book helps kids identify their emotions, connect with the earth, and find empathy through imagination. This book is great for school aged children, and will help them to think about the world outside of themselves, as well as explore the world of emotions inside of themselves. The simple, but beautiful illustrations help to bring this book to life. 

Sitting Still Like a Frog by Eline Snel (book and workbook)

This was one of the first mindfulness books that I came across when I was teaching a kid’s yoga class. What I love most about this book is not just the book itself with guided exercises, but the activity book that you can purchase to go with it that has 75 mindfulness games inside. This is great for parents that are currently homeschooling and want to introduce mindfulness to their kids. 

Mindfulness Games Activity Cards By Susan Kaiser Greenland 

Although technically not a book, this deck of cards was worth a mention on this list because of it’s creative activities and variations on each card for different age groups. This deck is great for a family that has kids of different ages so they can do it together. 

A Handful of Quiet: Happiness in Four Pebbles by Thich Nhat Hanh 

This is quickly becoming a staple in children’s mindfulness because of its unique approach to teaching meditation with the use of stones. A Handful of Quiet is a unique and authentic approach to mindfulness in children.

Pre-teens  

Being a pre-teen can be a hard time, but with the tools that are taught in these books it may help ease the struggle of being a kid stuck between childhood and the teenage years. It’s during this time that kids need to be self-reflective, understand their emotions and build compassion for themselves and one another. 

The 3 Minute Gratitude JournalFor Kids by Modern Kid Press 

Starting a gratitude journal can be an incredible tool for kids to self-reflect and begin to build gratitude and compassion. Although most gratitude journals are geared towards adults, this short daily journal is perfect for kids that are comfortable writing on their own, but are unlikely to sit and journal for long stretches at a time. 

Teach Your Child Meditation: 70 Fun & Easy Ways to Help Kids De-Stress and Chill Out By Lisa Roberts

What I love about this book is the variety of exercises that it has. You can do breathwork, simple meditation techniques, or mindfulness activities that will help kids take short mindfulness breaks when they need to unwind and release. This is perfect for teaching pre-teens how to calm their mind before stressful activities like tests, sporting games, and tricky social internations. 

Hope you can pick some books to help guide your child through mindfulness through their childhood. Let us know about some other mindfulness books for kids if you have favorites!