Forest Joy: Mindfulness in Nature

by Jill Neimark, Emily Fernihough (Illustrator)

I Breathe Forest. Forest Breathes Back.For fans of the modern classic, The Hugging Tree, comes a companion picture book that takes children on a gentle, unforgettable journey of wonder, joy & peace in nature. It's a perfect time-out for today's stressed kids.Lyric moments and vivid watercolor illustrations show Joya and her city friends on a forest bathing field trip. No water or soap needed! Just feel and be one with nature.For adults and children interested in mindfulness, the natural world, the great outdoors, forest bathing and forest schools.Forest Joy is ideal 4-8Parents, libraries and schools interested in mindfulness, nature, forest bathing and forest schoolsParents wanting a simple way to help children self-soothe in natureFans of the bedtime classic, Goodnight MoonPair this book with Nature Explorers, a STEAM-oriented nature activity guide for kids, packed with over 100 activities that offer hands-on learning outdoors, including mindfulness meditations.

Kindle Edition

Published October 24, 2023

About the author

Jill Neimark is the author of the highly acclaimed BLOODSONG (adult fiction, Random House) as well as coauthor of WHY GOOD THINGS HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE (adult self-help, Random House), Her picture book, THE HUGGING TREE: A STORY ABOUT RESILIENCE has had over sixty YouTube read-a-louds by teachers, librarians and faith leaders worldwide and is a popular inspirational readaloud. I WANT YOUR MOO (picture book, Magination Press) with co-author Marcella Bakur Weiner, PhD,won a Teachers’ Choice Awards for Children’s Books; and the sequel, TOODLES & TEENY: A STORY OF FRIENDSHIP won a Mom's Choice Award. Under the nom de plume Gillian Neimark is also the author of the tween fantasy adventure novel, THE SECRET SPIRAL, and the sequel, THE GOLDEN RECTANGLE. Her new picture book, FOREST JOY will be published in March of 2022.

Reviews

[Stacy Stryer · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a pediatrician and nature lover (I am associate medical director for a nature and health non-profit), I think this is a wonderful book and resource. Ms. Neimark does an amazing job of describing forest bathing in terms young children can understand, and the illustrations only seal the deal. She makes us feel as if we are already in the forest – hearing, feeling, touching, seeing and smelling nature. She also is able to explain in simple terms how to relax with deep breathing. Being outdoors and practicing mindfulness is so important for our physical and mental health, and our happiness, and this book illustrates these concepts so well.

[Dennyg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lessons in nature

When she was younger, one of my granddaughter’s favorite books was The Hugging Tree so when I heard Jill Neimark had a new kids book out I wanted to read it.

This lovely book brings you to the forest and guides you on a meditation journey of forest bathing. I can see this book becoming a favorite of children, too. It is now on my list for gift giving.

Thanks Jill for another beautifully crafted book.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

A breath of fresh air. City kids go on an informative day trip into a National Park.

Brought back fond memories of my time in the Adirondack forests as a kid. The writing is poetic and the artwork detailed and beautiful.

[Gilly Bayes cannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story and illustrations

What a delightful way to introduce forest bathing and mindfulness to young readers. I wanted to jump into the beautiful illustrations myself. They were so inviting, joyful and endearing. It is a feast for the eyes for adults and children alike.

[Katie Louise Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

lovely mindfulness read for children

This book is beautifully illustrated and expresses the importance of nature and how it can make us feel. The joy of being outdoors in a natural environment is all in this book. It’s calming and peaceful.

[Audrey Sauble · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun, lyrical book! Joya lives in the city and has never visited the forest, so she is excited about a special trip to the woods. The story explores the sounds, smells, and other sensations of the forest, encouraging kids to stop and look more closely--it's a fun read and a great story for nature explorers.