There are many social-emotional benefits associated with teaching mindfulness to kids. Books, like the award-winning Stillwater series, are an excellent gateway for kids to learn about mindfulness techniques, such as belly breathing, journaling, and regulating emotions. Written and illustrated by Jon J. Muth, this award-winning book series is filled with calming activities and relatable storylines that will equip your child with strategies for staying calm and present during stressful moments.
Teaching Mindfulness
Amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life, practicing mindfulness can simply mean tuning into your inner voice. The Stillwater book series features soothing illustrations that help your child tap into their emotions while providing them with a sense of wonder and gratitude for the world around them. If you're new to the series, here are a few places to start.
The book Stillwater and Koo Save the World is the first book in the series for younger readers. In a story brimming with love and light, Jon J. Muth shows how we can all heal the world a little bit at a time — just the right message for now — and always!
Does your child need help winding down at night after a stressful day? Read aloud the Caldecott Honor Book and New York Times best-seller Zen Shorts. In this book, Stillwater shares ancient Buddhist stories to explain mystifying concepts like material goods, the difference between good and bad, and what happens when you bottle up frustration. While this may sound lofty, the book is beautiful, gentle and written with young readers in mind. Exposing your child to these simple, loving stories will inspire them to incorporate some of these mindfulness practices into their daily routine.
While there are several books in the Stillwater series, Zen Shorts is the basis for the renowned Stillwater series on Apple TV+, a Peabody and Emmy Award-winning show. In the show as in the book, three siblings befriend their wise neighbor, the panda Stillwater. In each episode, his stories and guidance give them new lovely new perspectives on life, relationships, and their emotions. Using different forms of media to teach children about mindfulness can help them retain information and deepen their comprehension. For example, try pairing the mindfulness exercises in Stillwater: A Perfect Fit w/Cards with an episode of the Apple TV+ show.
In Stillwater: Be in the Moment: A Mindfulness Activity Book, your child will find activities for de-stressing, like yoga flows, writing prompts, and mindful breathing exercises. Your young reader will also resonate with the everyday struggles of Stillwater, the giant panda who shares his wisdom on managing stress.
Having feelings is part of being human, and mindful awareness will teach kids how to accept and understand their thoughts to lead a more fulfilling life. Cultivating a mindfulness and meditation practice requires consistency, and the Stillwater series offers great tools for kids (and adults!) to develop simple, accessible mindfulness habits and live in the present moment.
Shop the Stillwater books for kids below! You can find all books and activities at The Scholastic Store.
