Carrots Are Orange

Montessori Parenting & Learning

Home » Book Lists

Children’s Books to Teach Mindfulness

By 12 Comments Filed Under: Parenting, Social & Emotional Intelligence Tagged With: , , This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure for more info.

[Please scroll down for resources mentioned in this post.]

This post contains a vetted list of mindfulness children's books. On our journey to homeschooling, we continue to think long and hard about what and how to teach our two boys asking questions like:

“Who are they?”

“How do they learn?”

“What do we want for them?”

Time and time again we come back to hoping our children are happy and kind. We want them to be secure in who they are and in where they are heading in life. We want them to be present.

Mindfulness Children's Books

Our boys are boys, though, and are intense and energetic. We can already see our 3.5-year-old is a very serious person and he carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. So, how can we help him manage this natural (and wonderful) part of who he is?

Our answer is to integrate more “mindfulness” practices in our daily life. So far we've introduced yoga for kids via The ABCs of Yoga for Kids Learning Cards. This activity has noticeably changed (or shall I say calmed) our boys. They are focused and enjoy moving their bodies. I have also discovered amazing and profound books from which, although written for children, many adults can learn. Here is a short list, enjoy.

Children's Books that Teach Emotions & the Power of Being Present

How to Help a Child Meditate

Mindful Monkey, Happy Panda

A sweet example of friendship between a monkey and a panda. Lots of lessons to be learned within these pages.

What Does it Mean to Be Present?

What Does It Mean to be Present?

A lovely book that invites adults and children into the concept of being “present” in ones life.

A Pebble for Your Pocket

A Pebble for Your Pocket

As a child and now as an adult, I carry a stone in my pocket, or my bag, or even in the car to ground me throughout the day. This book is simply lovely.

Zen Shorts - A Book to Teach Kids about Meditation

Zen Shorts

A story about an unlikely friendship between three siblings and a panda named Stillwater.

A Handful of Quiet Meditation Books for Kids

A Handful of Quiet: Happiness in Four Pebbles

One of my all time favorite books to teach kids about meditation.

Peaceful Piggy Meditation
Peaceful Piggy Meditation

This book is perfect for addressing the business of life and how to be more flexible when things don't quite go your way!

My goal is to have an informal yoga and peaceful story times several times a week. I believe strongly that by integrating these practices and reading into our lives, our children and ultimately our whole family will benefit.

Definitely check out this post on 8 Things I Learned at a Mindful Family Retreat!

Thanks for stopping by! I hope we inspired you today!
Marnie

Not to Be Missed Engineering Books for Kids

By 8 Comments Filed Under: Science Tagged With: , This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure for more info.

[Please scroll down for resources mentioned in this post.]

Learn four amazing engineering books for kids. Yes! Introduce kids to the power of creating and inventing with these science books.

Engineering Books

Engineering for Kids – Where to Start

I continue coming back to Project Based Learning where children imagine, build, and create in their learning.

The most basic way to think about this type of learning is to think about basic survival skills.
 
Are you self-sufficient?
 
Would you know how to orient yourself if found yourself lost in the wilderness?
 
Would you know what plants to eat?
 
Would you know how to build a shelter?
I am not suggesting that our children need these tangible skills to survive and to be successful. I
 
I want my children to imagine the possibilities and run with those possibilities.

Engineering Books for Kids

engineering books

[click_to_tweet tweet=”“Imagination does not become great until human beings, given the courage and the strength, use it to create.” ― Dr. Maria Montessori” quote=”“Imagination does not become great until human beings, given the courage and the strength, use it to create.” ― Dr. Maria Montessori”]

When my children read about Iggy Peck they recognize the possibilities of nurturing skills that foster imagination, creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Books are a great way to begin this journey for children. Books can ignite a desire to learn and to want more from an idea.

Here are books to get you started on your path! These books are not so much learning how to build a house. Instead, these books discuss what it means to imagine, create and believe in yourself.

Books for Budding Engineers

Incredible Inventions

A book of poems that is truly one to own. The theme is that creativity, the ideas and the people who invent them, comes in all shapes and sizes. Children will become inspired and will want to learn more.

The illustrations draw them into the book and the poems are fun. The publisher recommends ages 4 to 8 but the book goes beyond that age for sure.

Rosie Revere, Engineer

A popular favorite among parents and children. This book highlights a young girl who dreams up and creates inventions for her friends and family. There are many solid messages in this book.

First, the main character is a girl. Yup, girls can build and invent too. Next, the focus is on imagination and creation. Finally, there is a lesson that failure is not only okay but necessary to truly succeed with your ideas.

Iggy Peck, Architect

Yes, another Andrea Beaty book! Iggy Peck, Architect came before Rosie Revere, Engineer and highlights the beginning of greatness for Ms. Beaty. The main character in this book is Iggy Peck. His journey begins at two years old as he builds a tower from glue and diapers (some of which are discovered to be dirty!).

Children love this story and David Roberts' illustrations. Iggy's talent is not supported by his teacher until that is, Iggy comes to the rescue and creates a plan involving his classmates to save his teacher from being stuck on a small island on a field trip.

From that point on, Iggy is free to grow and develop his extraordinary talent. My boys were so inspired by this book that they have wanted to build bridges even day since reading it from straws, cardboard and everyday materials around our home. Their desire to learn was certainly ignited by this book.

Plus every bridge we see now inevitably comes with questions:

“Is that a suspension bridge, mama?”

“What type of bridge is that?”

Related Read: Learning about Bridges with Preschoolers


The Day the Crayons Quit

A book to simply makes you smile. This clever approach to solving a problem is wonderful and inspiring to all of us. The book is likely to provoke questions about emotions as the book aligns emotions with colors (e.g. Peach = Embarrassed).

Children need all the opportunity they can get to explore, to identify and to discuss emotions. So, I was happy this book helps to accomplish emotional intelligence learning.


Other Engineering Books We Love

I hope you enjoyed this post!  Do you have a favorite inventing children's book? Please share!

Marnie

5 Unique Children’s Books about Seeds

By Leave a Comment Filed Under: Outdoor Education Tagged With: , This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure for more info.

[Please scroll down for resources mentioned in this post.]

This list of children's books about seeds is unique. I tried to think out of the box, to give you and your children a different connection to nature. I hope I succeeded in making that new connection for you.Books about Seeds

Children's Books about Seeds

Children's Books about Seeds
#1 – A Seed Is Sleepy by Dianna Hutts Aston

I am a huge fan of this whole series of books, especially books about seeds. We adore A Rock is Lively by the same author. Good news for us is there are several other books within this series.

The illustrations are inviting and melodic. The words are like poetry. Plus there are many wonderful, helpful learning to be had along the way. I especially appreciate the pages that reveal the names of many seeds and their respective plants. Connecting the two can often be difficult.

So, pull out seeds to examine with your child and read this book while you are doing it. You will glad that you did.

Books about Seeds
#2 – Seedsby Ken Robbins

This book about seeds belongs in every library whether at home or in a classroom. Children will view intricate illustrations with many facts about seeds and plants woven into the pages.

The writing is extremely approachable in that it is “conversational” style. This style really gets the reader thinking about the topic. For example, why some seeds look different than others, and how some seeds grow differently than others. Great things for adults to also ponder!

Children's Books about Seeds
#3 – The Dandelion Seed by Joseph Anthony

A simple, graceful book that will leave a child’s wanting to learn more about seeds. This book about seeds carries big lessons to children about courage and real fears. Besides that theme, children will begin this on the journey of the Dandelion Seed.

You see, the dandelion does not want to go into the world. Then the dandelion discovers that the journey can be wonderful, and shares his wisdom. Many great lessons within these pages!


#4 – Berries, Nuts, And Seeds by Diane Burns

I am mildly obsessed with these “Take Along Guides”. The amount of information is perfect for younger children. Plus, the illustrations keep the topic interesting and desirable from a learning standpoint.

My sons love to read these guides at bedtime but also enjoy carrying them out to our backyard. Worth every penny to own these books in your at home or classroom library. Loads of great tidbits!

Children's Books about Seeds
#5 – If You Hold a Seed by Elly MacKay

This book is one of my all-time favorites! Just look at that cover. It alone is enough to pick up the book. The story weaves nature and dreams together in a magical way.

The author speaks to character building traits such as patience, gentleness, and being kind to yourself (and to a seed) awaiting for an extraordinary blossoming event.

The artwork in this book is dreamy in itself. Elly MacKay is truly gifted in telling a story through pictures and poetry.

For more about seed activities for preschoolers:


The Best Father’s Day Books for Preschoolers

By Leave a Comment Filed Under: Activities Tagged With: , , This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure for more info.

[Please scroll down for resources mentioned in this post.]

I lost my dad when I was an infant so Father's Day was always a day that approached with nervousness. However, my brother, sister, and I were extremely close to our Pa and we had a blast celebrating him each year. It is important to remember that – as cliche as this sounds – it truly does take a village to raise a family.

Celebrate with whomever you see as your dad this year. In the meantime, however, we have curated an amazing set of Father's Day Books for Preschoolers. What better way to celebrate!

The Best Children's Books for Father's Day

Learn The Best Children's Books for Father's Day

Made For Me 

This story displays the tender love that a father has for his child.  It is so sweet and demonstrates that all the little things are what makes their relationship so special.

The Night Before Father's Day

This book tells a beautiful story of compassion and the importance of showing someone you love them.  A mom and her children work together in showing appreciation and gratitude on Father's Day.

I Love Dad with The Very Hungry Caterpillar 

Another beautiful book by Eric Carle.  The caterpillar that all kids are familiar with tags along on a journey of the special qualities in a dad.

And Tango Makes Three

This is an adorable true story about two male penguins at the Central Park Zoo that mate and raise a baby penguin together.

Related Read: Fun & Unique Father’s Day Gifts Found on Etsy

Papa, Please Get The Moon For Me 

A story of the unconditional love a dad has for his daughter.  By trying to get the moon for her he shows that he will do anything to make her happy.

My Father Knows the Names of Things

Every Dad is so special!  Each father has a unique gift to share and something special to teach their children.  The cute little boy in this book is so proud of the things that his Dad knows.  

A Wild Father's Day

I love the rambunctious wild nature of a Dad.  Dad's are great for sitting on their shoulders, wrestling, horseback rides, and playing ghost in the graveyard.  This book is a tribute to all those special moments.

Owl Moon

This is one of my favorite stories, so it had to be on this list.  Owl Moon makes a great bedtime story.  It is a peaceful story of a father and his daughter connecting on a midnight walk through the woods.  If you haven't been on a walk through the forest at night you may be able to imagine what a magical experience this can be.  Owl Moon is a story of true connection to nature for a father and his daughter.

A Tale of Two Daddies

This book builds on the natural curiosity of children.  When a little boy at school learns his friend has two daddies he is naturally curious.  He has many questions for his friend.  A Tale of Two Daddies is approached with a beautiful non-judgmental and approachable nature.

How to Surprise a Dad

We have all been in a situation where a child has surprised us with something!  These surprises are often very sweet and sometimes a bit peculiar.  The natural kindness that this exudes from a child is something worth fostering and encouraging as they grow.  This story is an adorable example of this caring nature.

For other amazing books for preschoolers, check out these book list posts.

Related Read: Sweet & Endearing Children's Books for Mother's Day

For more Father's Day goodness, check out:

Sweet & Endearing Children’s Books for Mother’s Day

By Leave a Comment Filed Under: Activities Tagged With: , This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure for more info.

[Please scroll down for resources mentioned in this post.]

Mother's Day is a time to celebrate yourself with a little self-care and to celebrate the role you play in your children's lives. I am a sucker for feel-good children's books, especially ones that teach our children a wonderful life lesson.  Add Mother's Day to that mix and you got me.

Sweet & Endearing Children's Books for Mother's Day

Below are a few of our favorite children's books for Mother's Day. Hopefully, these books will ignite conversation, connection, and a bit of laughter to your family's day of celebration. If you're looking for gifts for mom, definitely check out these posts:

Children's Books to Celebrate Mother's Day

Five Minutes Peace

I love this cute mother's story that makes light of the chaos in motherhood. Sometimes we just need five minutes of peace without any distractions or anyone for that matter.

The Night Before Mother's Day

This children's book tells a beautiful story of compassion and the importance of showing someone you love them. A dad and his children work together in showing appreciation and gratitude on Mother's Day.

I've Loved You Since Forever

This story was inspired by Hoda's adoption of her daughter. It tells a poetic tale of timeless love that was always meant to be and always will be.

Where's My Mom

A little monkey can't find his mom. Harkening back to the infamous “Are You My Mother?” by P.D. Eastman All of the animals come together to figure out what she looks like and where she is. The rhyme and the illustrations invite children into the story. 

I Love Mom With The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Another beautiful book by Eric Carle. The caterpillar that all kids are familiar with tags along on a journey of the special qualities in a mom.

What Not To Give Your Mom on Mother's Day

This is a hilarious story of all the things children like to give it as gifts, but probably could have done without…

Heather Has Two Mommies

This book was one of the first children books to be written about lesbian parents. Heather is worried about what the kids at school will think when they find out she has two mommies. The story shares a beautiful lesson about how all families are different and each one is special.

The Different Dragon

A bedtime story about a happy family with a little boy who has two mommies. You read a story about a dragon who feels different and learns to appreciate that being different is really special

Mama, Do You Love Me?

This is one of my favorite stories. For the perspective of the Inuit tribe, it explores the unconditional love a mother has for her child.

My Mom is a Foreigner, But Not to Me

This book tells the story of how some moms may be from different places. They might speak another language, have an accent, different beliefs or traditions, cook unique food, and show their love in different ways. But at the end of the day, every Mom is the best and their love is special!

Someday


Someday is a sweet book that I often give as a gift to friends expecting a baby girl. This book celebrates a wonderful mother/daughter relationship.

Wherever You Are: My Love Will Find You

Wherever You Are: My Love Will Find You simply brings tears to my eyes every time I read it. The illustrations are beautiful and the message is comforting.

Are You My Mother?

Are You My Mother? is a classic book that never gets old. The baby bird alone draws us into the story. His journey to find his mother is endearing and interesting to children as the baby seeks out a variety of animals and objects to ask: ‘Are You My Mother?'

Ladybug Girl and Her Mama

Ladybug Girl and Her Mama made my day! I was so happy to see this book released earlier this month.  

Good Night, Little Rainbow Fish!

Good Night, Little Rainbow Fish! contains illustrations that are both intriguing and captivating to my family. The story of this little fish and his mom is sweet and loving. A sure favorite!

Fancy Nancy's Marvelous Mother's Day Brunch

Fancy Nancy's Marvelous Mother's Day Brunch is nothing short of glittery and fancy! Fancy Nancy is hard not to love by boys and girls. My sons adore Fancy Nancy. Nancy goes over the too with celebrating her mother in a way that all of us appreciate and find endearing.

The Runaway Bunny


The Runaway Bunny is a classic book for all children for many generations. The gentle, soft illustrations are as lovely as the story about a mother who always finds her baby.

The Invisible String


The Invisible String is a heartwarming story that helps children begin to understand the idea that even when people are not physically with us, we are together in spirit. A great read for dealing with separation anxiety but also lovely to celebrate family and friends in our lives.

Mama Says: A Book of Love for Mothers and Sons


I hope that you enjoyed this list of children's books for Mother's Day. What books would you add to the list? Leave me a comment! Hearing from you makes my day!
Marnie

 

15 Must-Have Books to Teach Kids How to Have Purpose

By Leave a Comment Filed Under: Activities Tagged With: , This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure for more info.

[Please scroll down for resources mentioned in this post.]

You want to teach your kids purpose & meaning? Put these 15 books on your bookshelf.

Create the environment & they will come to discover and to develop in their own time.

Prepare the environment and allow for liberty within the environment. My husband and I lie and breathe that fact of life, including with the books on our shelf. Helping our sons find a sense of purpose in meaning in life is our main priority as parents.

15 Books to Teach Purpose & Meaning

Most of the books in this list below are not children's' books. However, the ideas and concepts can certainly be introduced to a child. The idea is to curate a bookshelf of books that teach your kids about the world and what it means to exist within it. The hope is to pique curiosity and to garner questions about the world.

Related Resource: Give the Gift of Audible

These books you will want to read multiple times at multiple points during life to present various relevant lessons about cultivating discipline and finding meaning.

Teach Kids Purpose & Meaning with these Books

#1 – A Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl

Lesson: To find meaning in life is to find a purpose.

“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”

#2 – The Way of a Warrior Kid by Jocko Willink

Lesson: Hard work & grit will get you results

“Discipline equals freedom.”

#3 – Pinnochio by Carlo Collodi

Lesson: Always let your conscience be your guide.

“A conscience is that still small voice that people won't listen to.”

#4 – There's No Such Thing as A Dragon by Jack Kent

Lesson: Don't ignore problems.

“The Dragon came close to Billy, in a friendly manner, and wagged its tail. But Billy didn't pat it. If there's no such thing as something, it's silly to pat it on the head.”

#5 – The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain

Lesson: Resourcefulness & Individuality

“Well, everybody does it that way, Huck.”
“Tom, I am not everybody.”

#6 – Moby Dick by Herman Melville

Lesson: Avoid the cult of personality.

“It is not down on any map; true places never are.”

#7 – Crime And Punishment – Fyodor Dostoevsky

Lesson: Human nature is capable of many things.

“To go wrong in one's own way is better than to go right in someone else's.”

#8 – Brave New World – Aldous Huxley

Lesson: Happiness cannot be manufactured or cultivated based on logical principals.

“I want to know what passion is. I want to feel something strongly.”

#9 – 1984 – George Orwell

Lesson: The dangers of power

“Power is in tearing human minds to pieces and putting them together again in new shapes of your own choosing.”

#10 – The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Lesson: Fear is the biggest obstacle.

“The secret of life, though, is to fall seven times and to get up eight times.”

#11 – The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday

Lesson: A focus on the little things will get you to your goal.

“Well-being is attained by little and little, and nevertheless is no little thing itself.”

#12 – Ernest Hemingway: A Farewell To Arms

Lesson: Accept that suffering is part of being.

“Cowards die a thousand deaths, but the brave only die once.” 

#13 – The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

Lesson: The relationship between good and evil.

“People want to forget the impossible. It makes their world safer.”

#14 – A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

Lesson: Embrace your uniqueness.

“Experiment is the mother of knowledge.”

#15 – 12 Rules for Life by Jordan Peterson

Lesson: How to be responsible and how to be and do good.

“Aristotle defined the virtues simply as the ways of behaving that are most conducive to happiness in life.”

Check out the best documentaries for kids for more awesome learning at home!

Talk to you soon!

Marnie