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Tuesday, January 25, 2022

Alphabreaths: The ABCs of Mindful Breathing, written by Christopher Willard and Daniel Rechtschaffen and illustrated by Holly Clifton-Brown. Sounds True, Raincoast. 2019. $23.50 ages 4 and up

 

"Gratitude Breath 

As you breathe in, think of a person
you're grateful for. As you breathe out, 
send them a smile.
" 

In this interactive and unusual alphabet book readers are given instructions for practice in mindful breathing. Each page, accompanied by soft and appealing illustrations, presents a new letter of the alphabet. It also names the breath that begins with that letter and a quick description of how to breathe in a new way. 

"Question Breath

As you breathe in, ask yourself how you 
are feeling. As you breathe out, answer.

Most children with whom this book is shared will follow the instructions with little difficulty. Using the book with children at school and at home will reap benefits for reader and listener. The ideas are kid-friendly and will provide a way for them to take stock of their feelings, their need for calming down, and allow for using what they are learning when needed at another time. 

The artwork helps children understand the benefits of being in different places under varying circumstances, and allows the ability to see themselves learning something brand new to them. Kid-tested and compassionate, the ideas are helpful for early years classrooms. Worth trying as a group, then allowing for discussion following the practice.                                                                                        


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