A World of Mindfulness

by Erin Alladin, Suzanne Del Rizzo (Illustrator), Rebecca Bender (Illustrator)

The meditative picture book that  Kirkus Review s recommends as “a practical introduction to mindfulness meditation, as an example of the practice, and as a guide”—now in paperback!  Parents, educators, and health practitioners everywhere are recognizing the importance of mindfulness practice, particularly for children. Meditation and yoga are becoming common activities in kindergarten classes and beyond. Taking time to be still and pay attention to their thoughts and bodies helps kids feel calm, focused, and in control. In A World of Mindfulness , meditative text reflects on the sensory ways children experience life, from the feeling of their muscles when they run…to the sound of a turning page…to the memory-laden taste of fresh-baked cookies. Positive and negative emotions are alike acknowledged and affirmed, and a strong sense of self is reinforced. Richly illustrated by fourteen artists with all-new original art, A World of Mindfulness will create its own quiet moments as children revisit its lavish pages. A closing note about mindfulness practice rounds out this board book, making it a helpful resource for homes, classrooms, and beyond.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Cultural

32 pages, Paperback

Published February 28, 2023

Reviews

[Leif V · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful anthology book featuring the work of some excellent artists. Each page is accompanied by a short sentence about what it feels like to be mindful. I especially enjoy that it mentions being mindful of strong unpleasant feelings as well as pleasant ones.

My favorite page reads: "Sometimes my mind is like a mixed-up swirling snowstorm. It isn't right or wrong- it's just how I feel."

The point of being mindful isn't to be happy all the time. It's to be aware of what you are feeling without labeling thoughts as good or bad.

This book has given me a great opportunity to talk this over with my four-year-old. Would recommend to anyone interested in talking to their kiddos about mindfulness.

[Nichole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this book by the publisher. I am donating it to my school library.

A beautiful, calming book. I enjoy the different art throughout and will likely highlight that as part of our lessons when we use this book.

[Charla · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely informative introduction to mindfulnesss! I love that the book includes different races, genders, and ages of characters in the story. I also like the diversity in how each page is illustrated. Very engaging book!

[Eli Poteet · Rating 5 out of 5]

perfect for what it is

[Michelle (FabBookReviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let’s take a look at: A World of Mindfulness: Use Your Senses. Find Your Calm. from the Editors & Illustrators of Pajama Press. In this picture book, fourteen wonderful Canadian artists come together to bring readers a gentle, encouraging, and useful guide to finding serenity and mindfulness. Much like the layout of its predecessor A World of Kindness, in A World of Mindfulness each open-facing spread is complete with a sentiment (of usually a few sentences) accompanied by a visual representation from a different artist. In all, there are fourteen illustrators/creators whose work is in A World of Mindfulness, from Miki Sato, Suzanne Del Rizzo, Tamara Campeau, Scot Ritchie and more, with Carmen Mok’s artwork featured in the Table of Contents. The subject(s) of mindfulness and meditation are truly so broad, arguably overwhelming, so it is definitely something to appreciate that A World of Mindfulness can extract genuine, understandable and usable sentiments (mantras, even) for children- and their grown-ups. For example: “Bad feelings are like cold snow melting in my hand. I feel them...I acknowledge them...and eventually they are gone”, or “Sometimes my mind is like a mixed-up swirling snowstorm. It isn’t right or wrong- it’s just how I feel”. The book closes with a spread and concise note on what mindfulness is, and a reminder to “use your senses” and “find your calm”. A warm, relatable, sunshine breathe of a book, acknowledging our wheel of emotions, feelings and senses, and how to steady ourselves, this title is sure to be practical and helpful for use in classrooms, libraries, and homes. Keeping I Read Canadian Day [NOTE: this review was posted in time for I Read Canadian Day 2021] in mind, A World of Mindfulness is also helpful if you’re curious about or interested in further exploring Canadian creators! Extras: Be sure to check out the downloadable Teaching Guide for A World of Mindfulness on the Pajama Press site!

I received a copy of this title courtesy of Pajama Press in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and comments are my own.

[Alissa Tsaparikos · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very interesting collaboration style book, where each page is illustrated by a different artist. The text on each page is short and to the point, but carries strong sensory detail and messages about mindfulness that are careful not to be heavy handed. I really enjoyed this one, and I think it would be a great option both for parents seeking to expose their child to mindfulness, as well as those choosing books for thoughtful children who think deeply and feel strongly. The illustrations are unique and arresting, so it makes exploring each page a delight as readers take time to take in the words and what they are saying. I recommend this book.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

multiple illustrators. stunning art. simple and easy to understand text on how to use your senses and find your calm

[robin vanguard · Rating 5 out of 5]

reading this actually lowered my heart rate, slowed my breathing, and calmed most of my anxiety.

highly, highly recommend, especially paired with prayer.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A World of Mindfulness is a beautifully illustrated anthology including a diverse cast of characters from the editors and illustrators of Pajama Press that helps introduce children to the concepts of calm, grounding, and mindfulness. It’s a short, thoughtful book rich with sensory detail that will even calm parents down at bedtime after a hectic day.