Happy: A Children’s Book of Mindfulness; Nicola Edwards, illustrated by Katie Hickey

In a busy world where we are constantly on the go and there is always something to do it is ever more important to take a moment. Issues around the metal health of children are becoming ever more pressing and the practicing of mindfulness is one skill to help support positive mental health and well-being. A book like this is perfect for introducing children to mindfulness.

Happy: A Children’s Book of Mindfulness is a beautiful book to support children in finding their inner calm and practising the skill of mindfulness. Guided by a wonderfully happy group of children, readers follow the protagonists on a day out as they take the time to really notice the world around them. As the children venture through the countryside they take time to listen to the sound of the trees, to relax in grassy fields, to splash in the stream, to smell the air and to notice nature’s treasures. At home they slowly savour mouthfuls of food, noticing all the different tastes and textures, they find love and appreciate everything they have.

The rhyming prose is gentle and lyrical and the stunning illustrations are calming. Double pages are devoted to a specific topic as readers are guided through feeling, relaxing, tasting, touching, discovering, smelling, loving, appreciating and breathing before finally finding happiness. Readers are actively encouraged to participate through questions, instructions and prompts.

Whether it be read during quiet time, at bedtime or at another time, this book is sure to bring calm and happiness to many a young reader.

Recommended for 4+.