Sometimes, when it seems that lots of bad things are happening around you, it can be very easy to only focus on the negative. That mindset can be very hard to shift, but wonderful picture books like this one are a good way start changing that perspective. Just that reminder to stop, look around, and … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Thank You for the Little Things,’ by Caryl Hart, illustrated by Emily Hamilton.
Some of you may know that as well as being a primary school teacher and book blogger, I have also co-founded children’s mental health venture Mind Superheroes with my good friend, Vafa Taleban. We are committed to helping children develop the tools they need for good lifelong mental health through the power of stories, positive … Continue reading #SundayBookClub – ‘Tisha and the Blossom,’ by Wendy Meddour, illustrated by Daniel Egnéus.
I always find this time of year so dark and dreary, especially so this year during lockdown, so it’s important to look for the positives around you and have hope that things will get brighter. ‘How do you Make a Rainbow?’ is certainly one of those books which encourages readers to think about what makes … Continue reading Blog Tour: ‘How do you Make a Rainbow?’ by Caroline Crowe, illustrated by Cally Johnson-Isaacs.
With the concept of mindfulness firmly planted in the nation’s consciousness, we are encouraged to find and celebrate the ‘everyday’ extraordinary. This beautiful picture book encourages readers to stop and look around them, to live in the moment, and to cherish their loved ones. Although the big, the loud and the colourful can be pretty … Continue reading Blog Tour: ‘Extraordinary!’ by Penny Harrison, illustrated by Katie Wilson.
This dreamy picture book is inspired by the principles of mindfulness. Lots of school practise mindfulness techniques to help their pupils reduce anxiety and stress levels. It encourages people to live in the moment and acknowledge what their senses are detecting. This poem takes readers on a journey around the world, engaging their senses in … Continue reading ‘Taking Time,’ by Jo Loring-Fisher.
I absolutely love this series of interactive books which has been carefully developed by psychotherapist and former primary teacher, Dr. Sharie Coombes. As schools continue to focus on mental health and mindfulness, these books are perfect for pupils to work through or dip in and out of. ‘Letting Go!’ focuses on helping children recognise feelings … Continue reading ‘Mindful Kids’ Activity Books by Dr. Sharie Coombes, illustrated by Katie Abey.
There has been a huge upsurge in the number of children being referred to mental health services across the U.K. causing an increasing number of schools to take matters into their own hands and teach their pupils about mindfulness and emotional regulation. The titles featured in this post encourage children to process their emotions and … Continue reading ‘Stay Strong!’ and ‘Be Brave!’ by Dr. Sharie Coombes, illustrated by Katie Abey.
During my time as a teacher, there have been many occasions where the children I’ve been working have struggled to express how they’re feeling, often resulting in meltdowns or acting out. One of the best ways I found to help in these situations was to encourage the children recognise how different emotions felt and to … Continue reading Books to Foster Emotional Literacy
It’s currently Mental Health Awareness Week in the U.K. With record rates of mental health referrals amongst children, this seems like the perfect time to introduce you to two books which might help children express and regulate their emotions. Mind Hug by Emily Amber and Vanessa Lovegrove (Circus House) This story was developed to help … Continue reading Supporting Mental Health in Children
In today's hectic, tech-driven society, young children can often find it difficult to manage their emotions, resulting in anger, stress and anxiety. This brilliant new series encourages children to take some time out to help process their emotions. Both titles use a combination of mindful activities and recognised cognitive therapy methods and have been written … Continue reading The Mindful Kids colouring series from Studio Press
Library Girl and Book Boy 