This book is a complete gem. Even though the intended audience is K through 3, I can see using this in my collection as an instruction manual for mindfulness for my middle schoolers (as well as their teachers!). The strength of this book is the fact that it provides a variety of actual mindfulness practices for kids. It can work as a daily guide. Students can choose their methods based on their emotional needs at any given time. The book describes activities such as, “Mind Drawing for Focus,” “Protection Circle for Security,” and “Friendship Meditation for Kindness.” They are mostly visualization and breathing exercises.
Intrusive thoughts that “pop up” during meditation are likened to bubbles. This instruction is to “pop” them when the mind wanders. As a Reiki practitioner, energy work is a big part of my mindfulness practice and I love how this book alludes to chakras (energy centers in the body) and the importance of, and simple strategies for, sending and receiving energy. For example, the “Wise Friend for Decision Making” exercise encourages one to envision a wise friend sending, “white light into your forehead to strengthen your body.” The center of the eyes is the location of the Ajna Chakra, or “third eye chakra,” and it is the point for insight and intuition. One instructed to then imagine receiving light over the throat for clear speech. (This is the Vishuddha Chakra.)
The illustrations that accompany the text are simplistic and delightful. The main subject is a cute elephant and his little friend (representative of the “wise friend” within) is a monkey. The book concludes with “Questions about Meditation.” Worded simply for a child, they are the same questions adults often have regarding the practice. (“What do I do when I feel wriggly?” or “sore legs?”) In short, this is a delightful little book, and a great addition to my mindful library.
