Happy: A Children's Book of Mindfulness

by Nicola Edwards, Katie Hickey (Illustrator)

“Mindfulness is all about connection with ourselves and the world around us.”

This poetically-written introduction to mindfulness touches upon the most important aspects of life–feeling, discovering, smelling, listening, and all the things that bring the world to life. With every soothing read and practice, children are better equipped to understand and control their own emotions…and discover an appreciation for the beautiful world around them.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Nonfiction, Mental Health, Emotion, Poetry, Psychology

32 pages, Hardcover

Published September 1, 2018

About the author

Nicola Edwards was raised by the seaside in beautiful Brighton. She loves reading, dancing, rhyming and turquoise things. She now lives with her husband in East London and spends her days writing and editing children’s books.

Reviews

[Stace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mindfulness is something that is becoming more commonplace and a useful tool for reconnecting with yourself and the world around you that is often busy and loud. In this new book from author Nicola Edwards, Happy is about teaching children the art of mindfulness in a simple understanding manner

We often don’t think too much about children’s feelings but they too get worried, scared, stressed, etc, and this book teaches them some ways to help alleviate those feelings.

From listening to feeling, tasting to smell, the book uses the senses to create mindfulness. Each page is adorned with beautiful, soft, gentle, and relaxing images, alongside the rhyming text that gives children the tools they need to help themselves be mindful.

Happy is a fabulous book and one that should be read by all children, preferably over and over again when they need to reconnect with themselves. It really is a delightful read and one I enjoyed immensely. It would be perfect for adults too who want to learn about mindfulness.

[Yelena · Rating 1 out of 5]

Silly book written by adults who went crazy mad about mindfulness. Kids are mindful by default. They need freedom to be happy and childhood to own. Mindfulness is good in itself, but as a concept which is described using adult lexicon put in a book for 4-5yo (few lines of text, mostly pics) it becomes nonsense.

[Alice-Elizabeth (Prolific Reader Alice) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy is honestly such a beautiful and well-done book for younger readers, all about mindfulness and reflection. I really wish I had a book like this when I was younger and still at school, it would have helped me a lot. Good for a book group or a small class, loved the starry images too!

[Westminster Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listening, Feeling, Relaxing, Tasting, Touching, Discovering, Smelling, Loving, Appreciating, Breathing, Happiness are all the topics explored in this beautifully illustrated children's book. No matter what time of day this book is read, there is something to learn from and participate in. Very relatable to all ages with wonderful sharing questions on each page to discuss together. A great book to read together and to slow down and smell the roses with!

Find Happy: A Children's Book of Mindfulness at the Westminster Public Library today!

And if you are in search of new books to read, try our services, What Do I Read Next. Our library staff are standing by to create a personalized recommendation list for you!

[Zoe Hickey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book which encourages you to take time, pause to be mindful. I think children can often naturally do this, but this book helps to make the connection with why we might do it. Encouraging discussions about why it is good to take time for yourself and how we can include this within our day.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sunny illustrations and simple text offer young readers some tips about how to find happiness through mindfulness. Since the book is a primer for inner peace, it introduces readers to the ways in which mindfulness can help them connect to the world around them. Youngsters are encouraged to listen, feel, relax, taste, touch, discover, smell, love, appreciate, and breathe as they savor the present moment, not get caught up in worries about the future or what has happened in the past. I liked how each double-page spread allows readers to linger with those individual elements and then put into practice the suggestions. I felt restored just from reading the book and reminding myself to be gentle with myself and the world around me. Perhaps many of us can use this time of forced slowing down during the COVID-19 crisis to practice mindfulness and embrace the different pace at which our lives are proceeding. This picture book offers a guide for newbies to the practice of mindfulness as readers follow several youngsters as they embrace inner peace and acceptance.

[Francesca Holland · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the book to be engaging through the use of questions. Questions were asked repeatedly that can give children the opportunity for discussion. The storyline was exploring the emotions and thinking on the importance of real-life issues, such as the importance of relaxing to then limit tension. The book genre is focused on well-being. This can be a useful resource for a circle time/ PSHE activity, from discussing different answers from children (why someone would say X rather than Y). To capture the child’s attention some words were enlarged so to stand out from the rest, such as, ‘crisp golden leaves.’ This can allow someone to think without needing the prompt of a question. The book’s appearance had a soothing quality, the book cover was textured so it created a small sensory experience, could be for comfort and reassurance. Some of the words were written in an arch shape so it made the book when read seem a soothing story.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Real life is right under our noses. It’s what’s here, not the future or past. Every day is a fresh new adventure…” Happy encourages readers to be present and enjoy, observe, and connect with the world (the real world, not digital) around you. This book is very grounding. The images are very calming, and each two-page spread has a stanza about a certain emotion or action a person may have/do every day (relaxing, discovering, appreciating, etc.), as well as lists a mindful exercise that can be done with each of the overarching actions.

This would be a wonderful read-aloud for a parent/caregiver to read when their child is having a difficult time being present or mindful. The thought-provoking mindful exercises after each stanza gives a chance for the adult to talk to the child, ask them to answer the question and see how they felt about it, or perform the task and discuss how this task may help them be more mindful of their surroundings or actions.

Happy is a beautiful book that not only teaches mindfulness and the importance of connectivity, but it can also teach children that there is just as much to learn through observation and deep thinking as there is through action and experience.

[whatbooknext · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is beautiful from the textured front cover, through each rhyming page, with full colour illustrations, (often
double-page spreads), to the final pages of galaxies and gardens.

Beginning with Mindfulness and what it offers us, to Listening, Feeling, Relaxing, Tasting and so on, each page has a soothing rhyme and a possible activity or idea to think more about.

The simple joys of Nature, using our senses, being with others and savouring the world as we slow down, nourishes us as humans. Even breathing can be mindful, helping us find the happiness that is right there for us all.

Even after reading this at my desk at night, enjoying the rhythm and artwork, I felt calmer, and more aware of my surroundings. Great for teaching mindfulness, a calming bedtime story or even in a classroom when needing some quiet time restored. Simply gorgeous.

Author - Nicola Edwards

Illustrator - Kate Hickey

Picture Book

[Nurbanu Ulu · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Farkındalık” bir yetişkin olarak üzerine çok çalıştığım bir konu. Duygularımdan kaçma ve onları görmezden gelme huyumun hayatımda kötü etkilerini yaşadıktan sonra bununla ilgili her materyale ilgi duyuyorum, hele ki çocuk kitabıysa asla karşı koyamam.
Hayatın dertli ve hızlı akışına rağmen yavaşlamak için ihtiyaç duyduğunuz o minicik sürede “Mutluluk” bir nefes olabilir. Çizimleri çok sevimli, huzur dolu. Çocuğuyla birlikte okuyacaklar için de oldukça keyifli. Sayfa sonları da interaktif etkinliklere açık. “Çocuk kitabı okumanın çocuklar için yaşı olsa bile yetişkinler için asla yoktur” diye düşünenlerdenseniz es geçmeyin. 😊

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Srujan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A succinct and sweet book about mindfulness. I personally believe it is targeted to older kids, say 8 years and above. Because I see younger kids and find that they are truly in the moment, not overthinking not worrying about the next day and so on. The mindfulness slips from our fingers as we grow up. This book is a lovely reminder.

[Jen Hires · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this would be absolutely perfect for ages 3 and up. It’s almost like a self help book for toddlers and young kids.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy : A Beginner's Book of Mindfulness by Nicola Edwards and Katie Hickey, PICTURE BOOK Rodale Kids (Penguin Random House), 2018. $18. 9780593121191

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Mindfulness - it's all about being happy. Listening and being still, feeling our feelings, relaxing, discovering, loving, appreciating, even breathing - when we do these things with mindfulness we can connect ourselves to the moment. A great way to feel happy.

Nicola Edwards primer on the basics of mindfulness is great! Simple explanations with a application question for practice makes this a perfect introduction for a class or even a child. I can see reading this with a child who needs some centering, or calming - helping them appreciate and acknowledge what's happening now. I really liked the illustrations. The paper was natural, so the illustrations are soft. The pictures are expressive and fun.

Lisa Librarian
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...

[Sonja Gieren · Rating 5 out of 5]

😍❤️Rezensionsexemplar❤️😍
(unbezahlte Werbung)
-360 Grad Verlag-

😍❤️😍Happy😍❤️😍
-Das Buch vom Glück des Moments-

Autorin: Nicola Edwards
Übersetzerin: Beatrix Rohrbacher
Illustratorin: Katie Hickey
Verlag: 360 Grad
Preis: 14€, Bilderbuch
Seiten: 32 Seiten
ISBN: 9783961855193
Alter: ab 3 Jahren
Erscheinungsdatum: 20. September 2019

5 Von 5 Sternen ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

😍❤️😍❤️😍❤️😍❤️😍❤️😍❤️😍❤️😍❤️😍❤️
Inhaltsangabe:
Entnommen von: 360grad-verlag.de
Wunderbar illustriert ist dieses Buch die perfekt-beruhigende und Kraft spendende Lektüre für eine ruhige und gute Zeit. Sanft ermutigt es junge Leser, und nicht nur die, ihre Gefühle zu verstehen und bewußt zu erleben, und die Welt um sich herum mit allen Sinnen zu erleben. Eine poetische Reise zum Ort des Glücks und der Ruhe, mit der die Praxis der Achtsamkeit verständlich erklärt wird.
😍❤️😍❤️😍❤️😍❤️😍❤️😍❤️😍❤️😍❤️😍❤️
Meine Meinung:
Hallo ihr Süßen 💕
"Happy", ist das perfekte Geschenk an sich selbst. Es ist ein Bilderbuch, das man für sich elbst kaufen sollte oder aber jemandem schenken sollte der einfach einmal ein wenig Liebe gebrauchen könnte. Es ist für mich kein klassisches Kinderbuch, es ist für mich eher ein Bilderbuch für Erwachsene, Suchende und Menschen denen es zur Zeit einfach nicht so gut gehen mag. Ein Bilderbuch, über Selbstliebe, Achtsamkeit, Ruhe und ganz viel Happynes. Ein Buch das man immer wieder gerne zur Hand nehmen mag, ganz besonders in Zeiten von Corvid 19. Denn ich glaube jeder braucht ein paar Momente voller Achtsamkeit und darf in diesen einfach nur "Happy" sein! Ein Buch das man nicht so schnell vergessen wird und das bei mir einen ganz besonderen Platz gefunden hat, damit ich es auch ja nicht aus den Augen verliere. Ganz große Empfehlung. Ganz lieben Gruß Sonja/Shaaniel

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

‘Happy: A Children’s Book of Mindfulness’
(2018) is a well written book by Nicola Edwards, with lovely illustrations by Katie Hickey.

‘Happy’ is poetically and simply written by Edwards and Hickey’s illustrations are key to the books message - the book provides a good introduction to kids on the subject of mindfulness.

Whilst the health and well-being benefits of mindfulness have clinically been evidenced, I do wonder whether mindfulness is something that already comes naturally to children of the intended age group for ‘Happy’?

One criticism in respect of the illustrations - lovely and relevant as they clearly are, they are all ostensibly very rural. There is therefore perhaps an element of exclusion to those younger readers who perhaps live in more urban/inner city environments, with little or limited access to the countryside. It would have been nice to have seen a couple of city scapes too - just to show that mindfulness is for all and in all situations.

[Moonie's Welt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entdeckt habe ich dieses Buch bei der Buchausstellung im Kindergarten und als ich dieses Cover gesehen habe wusste ich das ich es unbedingt haben will.
Auch kannte ich den 360 Grad Verlag noch nicht und dieses wird auch nicht das letzte Buch davon sein.

Es durfte mich auch schon in meiner Aufgabe als Lesepatin begleiten.
Man kann mit den Kindern verschiedene Gefühle durchspielen und erklären wie man sie für sich einfangen kann.
Gerade in der jetzigen Zeit um zu entschleunigen, einfach mal auf die Umwelt und das Leben anderer denken, den Wind fühlen, Aufmerksam sein, etc...



Neben den wirklich aufwendigen und bezaubernden Illustrationen ist dieses Buch aber auch vor allem für ältere Kinder gedacht mit denen man ins Gespräch kommen möchte.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mindfulness - it's all about being happy. Listening and being still, feeling our feelings, relaxing, discovering, loving, appreciating, even breathing - when we do these things with mindfulness we can connect ourselves to the moment. A great way to feel happy.

Nicola Edwards primer on the basics of mindfulness is great! Simple explanations with a application question for practice makes this a perfect introduction for a class or even a child. I can see reading this with a child who needs some centering, or calming - helping them appreciate and acknowledge what's happening now. I really liked the illustrations. The paper was natural, so the illustrations are soft. The pictures are expressive and fun.

For this and more of my reviews, visit http://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com

[Christina Reid · Rating 4 out of 5]

The illustrations in this merit the star rating alone as they are absolutely stunning, particularly the starry skies and endpapers. Each page talks about small ways we can take the time to be mindful and experience the world around us. While I honestly believe that children tend to be more mindful than adults (who hasn't had a delay due to a child spotting something that simply must be investigated that instant?) I think that this book would be really valuable as a springboard for discussion about being aware of your emotions and encouraging emotional literacy. I would use this for PSHE in school!

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely illustrated book about mindfulness. This isn't a story but instead explores different aspects about mindfulness with each bifold from actions (listening, tasting, appreciating, smelling, discovering) to feelings like happiness and how they are every changing and not constant. Each bifold and concept gives a prompt or asks a question like "what good things happened in your world today?" "Try tensing up all of your muscles and then relaxing them, on by one." I think this would be very helpful individually with parent and child or used in a classroom setting to help center students and calm. 3.5 rounded to 4 stars.

[Christine Turner]

A perfect bedtime read, this picture book gently encourages children to explore the senses and discover their path to mindfulness.

"Mindfulness is all about connetion with ourselves and the world around us."

This poetically-written introduction to mindfulness touches upon the most important aspects of life--feeling, discovering, smelling, listening, and all the things that bring the world to life. With every soothing read and practice, children are better equipped to understand and control their own emotions...and diiscover an appreciation for the beautiful world around them.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love this cover, and the idea of this book. Something I wish children were introduced early in life, as something they always can go back to - but there is irony in that children ARE often more mindful and present, in the moment than adults are, naturally. So I'm left wondering if this is maybe somewhat misplaced of an idea. That said, intentionally introducing the idea to children seems like a positive one. I'm not sure where I'd place it in the range of books for students/SEL etc. So I'm torn. Either way, always positive to have books featuring this idea.

[Heydi Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book makes my heart sing and I wish all could own it and read it daily.

This book couldn't get better. I am in complete love with it. It explains simply what happens when we get anxious (without actually calling it that) and many skills (presented as just 'what ifs') to deal with them.

Perfect for a storytime about feelings, mindfulness, nature, or just humanity. This book is simply perfect!

[Katie Cat Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Board book. Mindfulness. Senses.

Story: A book of mindfulness through the senses with loving and appreciation as extra.

Language: Some vocabulary more advanced, pictures bright, detailed, smiling children. One sentence and one question per full page spread.

Chatacters: children and families.

I really loved this book, but I feel like it was meant for adults, not children. I wish the author would make a similar book for adults with different illustrations.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly a book for this moment, for parents, for children. As we head into an uncertain fall, we're all feeling a little ungrounded. HAPPY is a sweet reminder to relax, to savor sounds and smells, to discover the little treasures in life that bring us joy. The lessons strike just the right tone. And the whimsical illustrations sparked that joy for this reader and star-gazer. Loved it, absolutely!

[Luz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! So relaxing to read after a long day. The words and pictures are beautiful and serve as a reminder for both adults and children. It’s quite poetic and not too heavy for young children to understand and it has nice discussion points that help children to reflect and share things about their day. I like it so much

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although the art of this picture book is colorful and beautiful, much of the text doesn’t make sense and the idea of explaining mindfulness is convoluted, at best. I, personally, didn’t feel like there was much flow in the book and I even felt confused with what the author was trying to get across, sentence to sentence.

[Katt Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mindfulness. What is it and how would you teach a child about being in the moment and enjoying right where you are? This book is both beautiful and informative, telling a story with such exquisite joy you can't help but love it.

I want to place myself in every picture of this book, and pull out the story there. Really nicely done all the way through.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The very best part was the illustrations. The reminders were helpful, though ... each page was a little different way to stop and immerse senses in the NOW.

Can't say it would be a great read aloud to a huge group of kids but for one on one/two/three sharing? Nice little choice.

[Read Ribbet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Becoming mindful is encouraged by a series of rhymed verses that remind the readers how to use accessible processes (breathing, loving, listening, loving) on the road to genuine happiness. Strategies included along the way as well.