Disclosure: I was sent a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Riverlet Press and will receive a small stipend for this post. All opinions are my own.
Mindfulness has been the rage lately. Have you tried to teach your kids to be mindful? Today I am sharing a book that teaches kids a bit about mindfulness in a manner that is similar to the approach of a child. The book is My Old Friend, Then by Katherine Davis-Gibbon and illustrated by Allie Daigle.
From the Publisher:
My Old Friend, Then Written by Katherine Davis-Gibbon and Illustrated by Allie DaigleAges 4 and up | 40 Pages
Publisher: Riverlet Press LLC | ISBN-13: 9781737957607
Publisher’s Synopsis: A child ponders … who is her best, most loyal friend? Is it her constant companion, Then, who regales her with extravagant stories of their shared past and imagined future? Or is it precious, patient Now, with whom she sensitively explores each new moment that unfolds?
My Old Friend, Then explores mindfulness the same way that kids approach life: with curiosity, humor, and unspoiled sincerity. Pairing accessible and relatable language with vivid, quirky illustrations, this book invites readers to share in a young girl’s journey as she grapples with the trappings—and delights in the boundless potential—of her own brilliant mind.
About the Author:
Katherine Davis-Gibbon is a yoga teacher, a longtime practitioner of Vipassana meditation, and most importantly a mother of two. She is also the founder of Riverlet Press, a children’s book company for conscious parents raising mindful kids.
For more information, visit www.riverletpress.com.
From Me:
This book has us looking at our past and our present. The best friends are Then and Now. Then demands much attention and if we are not careful our past can rule our lives instead of noticing what is happening now. This is the overall message of the book, but it is presented in a manner kids will understand. If we focus on our past, our friend Then, we will be reliving the past instead of noticing the good things about the present. Then reshares the stories of our past including the ones when we got in trouble. Then wants to be fed all the time. Then doesn't like anyone else taking my attention. These are some important lessons to learn.
I love how the past and present are presented as friends who feel like best friends. It is something everyone can relate to. We all have the demanding friends as well as the unassuming friends. Which type of friend is more fun to be around? It is a sweet book with many messages in it as well as an introduction to mindfulness!
Mindfulness Activities for Kids:
Besides reading a book that teaches about living in the now, here are some other mindfulness activities to teach kids. Some are about calming down, decompressing and others are about being in the present.
1) Mindfulness Stone with Activities from Hands On Teaching Ideas
2) Magic Zen Meditation Jar from Barley & Birch
3) Slow Motion Calm Down Sensory Bottle from Childhood 101
4) Rock Painting for Kids from Mom Junky
5) Mindfulness Walk from And Next Comes L
6) Miniature Peace Gardens for Kids to Make (there are quite a few ideas shared) from Barley & Birch
7) Under the Sea Mindfulness Activities for Kids from Rock Your Homeschool
8) Finger Labyrinth from Your Therapy Source
9) Simple Fall Mindfulness Activities for Kids from Rock Your Homeschool
10) The S.T.O.P. Mindfulness Activity from And Next Comes L
11) Mosaic Chalk Heart Activity from Lorena & Lennox Bilingual Beginnings
12) Activities to Decompress After School from Mama Smiles - Joyful Parenting
13) Traffic Light Mindfulness Activity from And Next Comes L
14) Alphabet Grounding Activity from And Next Comes L
And some books and a puzzle that we have shared previously to promote mindfulness in kids as well.
1) Imaginations 2
4) Just Breathe
Giveaway:
Enter for a chance to win an autographed copy of My Old Friend, Then, along with a box of You're Wonderful Thoughtfulls!
One (1) winner receives:
- An autographed hardcover copy of My Old Friend, Then
- A box of You're Wonderful Thoughtfulls pop-open cards by Compendium Inc.
Three (3) winners receive:
- An autographed hardcover copy of My Old Friend, Then
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