Listening to My Body

by Gabi Garcia

Listening to My Body is an engaging and interactive picture book that introduces children to the practice of paying attention to their bodies. Through a combination of story and simple experiential activities, it guides them through the process of noticing and naming their feelings and the sensations that accompany them, while helping them build on their capacity to engage more mindfully, self-regulate, and develop a deeper sense of well-being.
From "buzzing" and "tingly" to "wiggly" and "squirmy", Listening to My Body gives children the vocabulary to name their sensations and cultivates the message that whatever they are experiencing is okay. Putting these concepts into practice will help children get better at figuring out what they need so that they can show care and kindness for themselves, especially, especially when they experience difficult emotions. Listening to My Body is a wonderful resource for parents, teachers and counselors!

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Emotion, Mental Health, Health, Parenting, Nonfiction

32 pages, Paperback

Published July 23, 2017

About the author

Gabi Garcia is a mama, Licensed Professional Counselor and former teacher who believes that empowering children to tune into and trust their bodies is a lifelong gift. She has worked as a therapist in a variety of setting for over 15 years and currently works as a public school counselor.

Gabi agrees that we teach what we most need to learn, and she always has better days when she listens to her body. She lives with her family in Austin, Texas.

Reviews

[Laurenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of therapy later, I’ve learned how important it is to be able to recognize, identify, name and honor my feelings. And I want to gift that to my children. This book is a great start—recognizing emotions and sensations and providing a vocabulary in easy to understand ways.

[Rachel Hutchinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really lovely book which encourages children to tune into their bodies' physical responses when experiencing different types of emotions. The instructions resonate very strongly with mindfulness techniques. I am particularly fond of the metaphor that feelings are like waves and am keen to observe whether children in class might find that analogy useful when dealing with difficult emotions, like anger and fear. The book is beautifully illustrated, although the text is small and quite plain. The concept itself is suitable for all ages, but I believe the book would suit KS1 the most. It would be a wonderful opener to lessons about emotional wellbeing and has some guidance and suggestions for adults at the back.

[Luciana Gomez Mauro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Muy bonito

Es muy importante aprender a escuchar nuestro cuerpo, ver qué sensaciones y senti
mientos nos
invaden de la nada y poder hacer algo por nuestra cuenta para estar mejor!
Yo que suelo ponerme nerviosa casi siempre ante un trabajo o una situación nueva, siempre me ayuda el contar hasta diez o leer

[Danielle Neubauer · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the nonfiction picture book, “Listening to my Body,” by Gabi Garcia, we are taken on a quick journey with a nameless character to discover various sensations our body can give us. The text is incredibly interactive and has a “Let’s practice” section every couple of pages. The sections ask the audience to “Wrap your arms around yourself and give yourself a gentle hug,” or “Inhale through your nose and blow a strong puff of air through your mouth so that your lips flap like a horse’s.” Garcia discusses various body functions, such as sweating, breathing, and even human emotions that are all normal and she reassures the audience that these sensations are very normal and should be accepted to get to know yourself.
I really enjoyed this short story, I felt as if the author did a great job at showing the readers how to interact with their own minds and sensations and how to accept their bodies. I believe this would be a fantastic book to read to a younger group, kindergarten through 3rd grade would have a grand time interacting with this book. I read it to my 4 and 8-year-old and they both loved it! However, it will take an entire class period because there are a lot of different queues and practice portions to complete.

[Eve Costarelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listening To My Body by Gabi Garcia is a really nice, effective book to aid children in understanding about sensations and feelings and how these things interact to better help them navigate understanding their own needs. The book is written with compassion and obvious desire to help kids tune in and trust themselves. There are great short noticing activities throughout and I really like the recap word list at the end for a visual reminder of the sensations and feelings brought up by the story. The noticing activities are also listed for easy access. A special shout out to Ying Hui Tan for her adorable illustrations. The characters are sweet and they well express the content of the book. They art is textural and creative and very endearing.
I highly recommend this books. It makes a great read aloud to share with children, students, parents and teachers. This book should be in libraries, classrooms and homes!
Full Disclosure: The author sent me this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Emma Staten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listening to My Body is an interactive book guided to help children through the practice of naming their feelings and the sensations that accompany them. Children are able to build on their capacity to be mindful, self-regulate, and develop emotional resilience. This story is very empowering as it provides children the appropriate vocabulary to express their feelings, emotions, and identify what their bodies are telling them. As the story progresses, the book provides activities for children to practice the new skills of listening to their bodies.

[Lina · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was a "cute" read. I'm sure if I would've read this with my daughter when she was 2 or 3 years old it would've been more enjoyable for her. This book is definitely directed more so to children who are still learning how to navigate and pinpoint their different emotions. My daughter thought the exercises were silly, but they would definitely be great for a younger audience. Not so much for my 10 year old, lol.

[Sheridan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I teach classes to adults about feelings and how to find Joy in the Journey. It is interesting how disconnected we are from our bodies and our feelings. This book is a children's book, but it is also helpful for adults who are relearning to listen to their bodies.
That is an important skill!

[Kaila · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book. As an adult-ish I am still trying to learn to listen to my body. Wish I had this book when I was younger.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for all kids to bring awareness to our body sensations that come with different emotions, and what we can do to feel better. The kid looked a little scary in one or two illustrations..

[marlene mella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bello

Me encanta el lenguaje que utiliza, muy util para padres. Ayuda mucho a guiar a los niños y y emociones

[Sheena · Rating 5 out of 5]

8 year old review

I like to learn about my feelings and find the good ways to make it so I don’t hurt people around me when I am mad and I am glad that I got to read this.

[Beverly J. Dodd · Rating 1 out of 5]

Print was too small to read

I was unable to read this book because the print was too tiny and I do mean tiny. Maybe if I had a magnifying glass...

[Terra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet and practical book to help kids understand the connection between sensations in their bodies and their emotions so that they can be better at figuring out what they need!
🧍🏿‍♀️
Written by Austin based LPC Gabi Garcia and illustrated by Ying Hui Tan, this story is a great one to return to, trying a different practice each time.
🧍🏾
It follows a boy as he rides his first rollercoaster, finds that his little sister messed up the puzzle he’d worked on all afternoon, has his first day of school (remember those?), and more.
🧍🏼‍♂️
He learns that his body can feel tired or excited or calm. It can feel cold, sweaty, strong, and breathless. That those sensations can tell him something about his emotions.
👫
And he discovers that feelings aren’t good or bad, they’re information; a wave that he can’t stop but can pay attention to so it doesn’t knock him over.
👩🏽‍🤝‍👩🏾
There are several practices to try sprinkled throughout that are simple, age appropriate, and effective.
👩🏽‍🤝‍👨🏼
If you have littles ones in your home or could use some simple ways to tune into your own body and what it is telling you about your feelings, I highly recommend!
🧍🏻‍♀️

[Pablo Enrique · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book aims to introduce young readers to the concepts of bodily sensations and emotional awareness, but its execution raises some important questions.

A central premise of the text — the framing of one's body as an external 'friend' — presents a philosophical challenge. Rather than fostering an integrated sense of self, this metaphor may inadvertently introduce a mind-body dualism that distances a child from the fundamental truth that they are their body.

The narrative is more successful in its distinction between feelings and physical sensations. While the distinction is simplified for its intended audience, it is a valuable one, supported by clear and accessible examples that help children conceptualize abstract internal experiences.

However, the book's recurring counsel to seek help from "a grown-up" is presented without necessary nuance. By universally framing adults as the default solution, the text reinforces a power dynamic that can inadvertently amplify a child's vulnerability. A more empowering message would equip children with the tools for discernment — teaching them how to identify trustworthy adults and what to do in situations of uncertainty, rather than promoting an undifferentiated and potentially risky reliance on authority.

Ultimately, while the book's intentions are clear, its core messages raise significant questions about the most effective and responsible ways to teach children about embodiment and emotional self-reliance.

[Abigail Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything about this book is wonderful! It seems a bit long because it has exercises and questions, but I think that they are great tools. I love that Gabi Garcia is introducing the idea of mindfulness to young readers, it is so important for children to understand what their body is telling them and differentiating feelings. Not only that, but the exercises and tips within the book can help children address those feelings in a healthy way. It offers tools and alternatives, but does not shame children for having different feelings, which is good because that could lead to them suppressing feelings. Overall, I think this is an incredible book and I would definitely keep this in my classroom! You could even read it in sections and practice the exercises within the book with the whole class.

[Augusta · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book helps kids make sense of a series of sensations and feelings they might experience. It helps kids decipher what their bodies are telling them when they experience those feelings and sensations. The book includes a series of activities that help kids be more self aware and name what their bodies are going through. I would read the book in class and promote the activities like: feel your heart beat, now jump up and down and feel it again to see how it changed; close your mouth, take deep breaths and see how you feel; give yourself a hug, make it tighter, what do you prefer?" I think combining the reading with some kinesthetic activities would be a great addition to a kindergarten classroom.

[Elizabeth Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

i would think that you should be an older kids, i had been reading a bunch of other KU kid reads and this one was much more wordie ...i know not a word ...but i want parents and kids to know ... it is not a one and done ... and that is totally okay ...but ... they are for younger eyes as well ...it is not like if your grandparent is reading that they can enlarge the words, nope not that i can see??! please know i am not making fun or being mean ...just being totally honest and what folks to know ahead of time. i would call these pictures or illustration as of a water paint kind??! i love the little boys red shoes .. so cool!!

[Skyler Tieri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This children's book is to encourage kids to pay attention to their physical sensations and emotions. The story follows a young protagonist who learns to recognize and understand the different signals their body sends, such as feeling hot, cold, tense, or relaxed, through discovers how to better manage their feelings and respond to their needs. the book provides practical excersises and prompts to help children connect with their bodies and emotions, promoting emotions, promoting emotional intelligence and self-regulation. it aims to empower kids to trust their instincts and take care of themselves in a healthy, mindful way.

[Jayden Deiong · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made my think of the times when I have been feeling different and it made me think of when I need to decide of what to do when I am feeling angry sad confused worried and many more so this book deserves a higher rating than 5 stars there should be more options to rate the book that you have read


This book would make me feel more confident to listen to my body more often so I can reflect on my choices when I need to


If I have kids when I am a grownup I will read them this story so they know what to do when they are feeling overwhelmed so then they can tell me what they want to do when they are feeling overwhelmed so they do not take it out on us parents

[Hailey Crater · Rating 5 out of 5]

Copyright 2017
Realistic Fiction
Theme: Understanding and listening to your body and emotions.

This is a great book to help students understand the connections between their feelings and sensations, so they are able to acknowledge what they need. I loved how the author would engage the reader to ask themselves questions about their own feelings and help them understand why those feelings and sensations occur. In my classroom, this would be a great book to provide for a student that is having a difficult day and have them read the book to figure out why they feel negative.

[Ashley A. Novalis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is SUCH a great resource for parents, teachers, or anyone who works with little ones. The author does a great job at explaining sensations and feelings in the body, using examples that are familiar and easy to understand. The "let's practice" notes at the bottom are perfect, short ways for children to build the skills of identifying feelings and listening to their body. Sometimes it's hard to find "feelings books" with boys in them, so I love that we get to follow this little guy throughout the book.
As someone who works with children therapeutically, I will be pulling this one out of my back often!

[Nora · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is unlike any book I have read because it includes short activities that teach the reader about certain emotional sensations and how to manage yourself when you are feeling a certain way. It also provides the reader with great questions that they can ask themselves when they are dealing with certain emotions. I think this is a very beneficial read for young students because it will help them better understand where their feelings are coming from and how to handle themselves when a feeling makes them uncomfortable.

[Erica Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

SUCH a great resource for managing emotions.

Well like most about this is not only does it give you the language for what you’re feeling but then it gives you an activity or an exercise to practice managing those feelings in those emotions. I don’t see that very often and books that are covering the same topic so that was really great to see! My 5 year old is going to learn a lot from this and The best thing about the practicing exercises is that they’re pretty simple and you can do them whenever you like! Would absolutely recommend this!

[Andrej · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good book explaining different feelings (e.g., excited, nervous, or both excited and nervous), sensations (e.g., cold or hungry), and typical connections between them (e.g., not being able to focus when you're hungry) to children 3-5 years old. I think the strongest part were little interactive games that encourage the kid to practice what they've just read about. For example, feeling their heartbeat, jumping, and feeling how their heartbeat got faster. Overall, a very engaging way to learn how to listen to your body.

[Dalila Guzman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoughtful and gentle book that teaches children how to connect with their emotions and body through mindfulness. Through simple language, it guides kids in recognizing how their bodies react to different feelings like anger, happiness, or fear. The book offers helpful techniques for calming down, such as deep breathing, making it an excellent resource for promoting emotional regulation. The illustrations are soft and inviting, and the overall tone is calming and reassuring. It’s a wonderful tool for encouraging kids to be more in tune with their feelings and practice self-care.

[Christian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good kids book for important subject

Such an important topic for all kids, especially those that need to pay more attention to their sensory world. This book is a great intro to the subject, not only for the kid, but also for the adult to remind their kids on a day-to-day basis about how to listen to our bodies. I like the little activities after each page - they make it engaging. I left off one star as I feel it could have gone a little further.

[AnnieM · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good introduction

While it looks like this is for kids, and maybe some older ones would benefit, it’s seems more for an adult/child learning option. It is fairly non-family driven so adults can avoid embarrassing kids who have different types of families.

It had lots of good activities that everyone would benefit from. In our fast paced lifestyle, sometime we forget to listen to ourselves.

[Olga Gula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Published 2016
Genre: Concept
Theme: Managing emotions, de-escalation, naming sensations
This was a very well written book about understanding those weird and sudden emotions and sensations that take over our body and how to manage them. My favorite part was that the book had steps for the reader to follow along and practice feeling the different sensations. I would use this book to talk about understanding our body, the kids would love all the interactive steps within.

[E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave this a quick read to see if it would be helpful for a nibling. And also myself because I have low awareness of some of these kinds of things. I'm going to check out a couple of her other books and see which one I should send to family. Plus it was on Kindle Unlimited. I did have to read it in the Kindle Cloud Reader to be able to see it well, and even that wasn't easy to do. If I send it to family I intend to send a physical book.