Breathe Like a Bear: 30 Mindful Moments for Kids to Feel Calm and Focused Anytime, Anywhere

by Kira Willey, Anni Betts (Illustrator)

BREATHE LIKE A BEAR is a guide to mindfulness and meditation for children aged 4 - 8. Through 30 simple and beautifully illustrated activities and mindfulness exercises, Breathe Like a Bear helps kids managing their bodies, breath, and emotions. It has already been published in the US by Random House, through their Rodale Kids imprint, and we are buying the rights to publish in UK/ANZ. Author Kira Willey is an award-winning songwriter, kids' yoga expert, and creator of Rockin' Yoga School Programs.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Nonfiction, Mental Health, Storytime, Health, School

96 pages, Paperback

Published January 9, 2020

Reviews

[Scottsdale Public Library]

Breathe Like a Bear: 30 Mindful Moments for Kids to Feel Calm and Focused Anytime, Anywhere by Kira Willey and illustrated by Anni Betts is inspired by Kira Willey’s audio CD Mindful Moments for Kids. The book is divided into sections to allow the reader to be calm, focus, imagine, make some energy, or relax. These exercises offer excellent opportunities for emotional development and emotions management for children who are still coming to understand their own feelings and emotions. Some of my favorite exercises include “Hot Chocolate” (be calm), “Be a Bumblebee” (focus), “Imagine You’re a Tree” (imagine), “Bunny Breath” (make some energy), and “Get Your Grumpies Out” (relax). I demonstrate how to use these during storytimes focusing on social and emotional development, and they are a big hit with children and caregivers alike. While I usually prefer to go through these types of breathing exercises with my eyes closed, I can guarantee that will be difficult for new readers once they see these enchanting illustrations which make this book feel like an absolute work of art. Give this book a try if you're interested in adding some more mindful moments into your day. –Christina B.

[▫️Ron S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually don't review kid's lit or books aimed at a young audience, which is weird - because I have a lot of involvement with those books. I had to chime in about this one, though - beautifully illustrated and full of advice and activities that connect immediately with a young audience and provide them with healthy habits that can serve them for a lifetime.
Especially recommended for parents of children prone to anxiety and emotions that get out of their control regularly. I love it.

[Mi Tijuana Lectora · Rating 5 out of 5]

En respira como un oso vamos a encontrar 30 ejercicios de Mindfulness pensados para niños, son ejercicios sencillos y planteados de una manera divertida para que los niños se motiven a realizarlos de tal manera que no solo pasaran un rato agradable, sino que lograran conectar con el aquí y el ahora, ser conscientes de sus emociones, reconocerlas y canalizarlas de manera positiva.

Los ejercicios son ideales para incluirlos en la rutina diaria de un salón de clases o en casa, en mi opinión pueden implementarse desde los 3 hasta los 10 años sin ninguna dificultad, al ser ejercicios especiales para la concentración, la calma, la imaginación, una máxima energía o relajación se pueden implementar fácilmente en la vida diaria y gracias a la manera en que están planteados los niños se muestran cooperativos a ponerlos en práctica, por ejemplo ¿quién no practicaría ejercicios de respiración y relajación como si soplara una vela pero sin que se apague la llama o enfriar una sopa?

Reseña completa en el blog.
https://mitijuanalectora.blogspot.com...

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love this. Beautiful illustrations teaching children ( and adults!) simple meditation techniques, such as blowing on hot chocolate (long outgoing breaths). Perfect to pick up during a moment of stress!

[Valleri · Rating 5 out of 5]

The illustrations which go alone with each meaningful, mindful suggestion are just as calming as the words themselves. I would highly recommend this book to any child due to its empowering nature and adorable pictures.

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

short and engaging ways for kids to engage with their breath and their awareness. very adorable illustrations. a keeper for me, because sometimes I would rather meditate like a kid than like a grown up.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really well written to make mindfulness concrete and within the abilities of young children (e.g., imagine you're blowing out a candle) and beautiful illustrations.

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a really thoughtful presentation of meditation/mindfulness. Even though it is geared towards kids, I think a lot of adults including myself could find these techniques useful. Beautiful illustrations, and overall, good content.

[W · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. Gorgeous, happy, colorful illustrations accompanying bite-sized mindfulness practices for kids.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The illustrations in this book just pop. The word imagery is beautiful and you feel just so calm after reading each page.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will definitely be buying if I ever have a child!

[ali wynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great intro to breathing/relaxation techniques for littles!!! :)

[Mandy Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this little book. I do these meditations with my 6 and 3 year-olds and they love looking at all the illustrations and practicing being mindful like the animals in the book. The book focuses on mediations that help you be calm, give you focus, use your imagination, make energy, and relax. They are also just the perfect amount of time to keep little one’s attention span. This is a great introduction to the world of mindfulness for children.

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

We really enjoyed this! So many quick, fun exercises to do with your child ( or just for yourself) H really enjoyed the Thunderstorm one. Lovely, bright illustrations.

[Mary Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy, effective breathing exercises organized by purpose: be calm, focus, imagine, make some energy, and relax. We’ve been weaving these into our day. My husband and I are even doing these on our own without the kids.

[Papá Lector · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hoy voy a platicarles sobre un libro que además de ser muy bello resultará de mucha utilidad prácticamente para todos, está recomendado para los pequeños de la casa, pero créanme si les digo que no solo le servirá a ellos, sino también a los papás o si eres un joven cursando la universidad o si estas sufriendo de estrés laboral muy elevado, en resumen un libro que a cualquier le podrá ayudar, porque todos nos hemos sentido nerviosos, cansados, desconcentrados, enojados etc.

Respira como un oso se trata de un libro cuyo principal objetivo es el de acercar el mindfulness a los niños y ¿cómo lo hace? pues bueno, listando en sus páginas 30 ejercicios de respiración cortos y muy sencillos que ayudan a los niños aportando múltiples beneficios, tales como:

Mejora el enfoque y la concentración.
Reduce el estrés.
Aumenta su compromiso y presencia en el momento, fomentando la atención plena.
Logra efectos calmantes pero energizantes a la vez.

Hay algunos aspectos sobre este libro que quiero de verdad resaltar y es que no se trata de un libro de lectura convencional, sino que es un libro 100% práctico, se leen las instrucciones y se practica lo que se nos enseña, lo que lo convierte en una excelente opción para conseguir mantener la atención de los niños durante sus ratos de ocio alejados de los elementos tecnológicos que en muchos de los casos lo único que provocan es un aumento en el nivel de estrés de los niños, además que es la excusa ideal para que padres e hijos practiquen los ejercicios juntos fomentando así la convivencia familiar de calidad.

Otro de los aspectos destacables de los ejercicios es que son cortos, realmente cortos, el ejercicio por sí solo consta de dos o tres repeticiones, que sin mentirles tienen una duración de apenas unos 3 minutos, máximo 5 minutos si deseamos hacer una repetición. Y es precisamente esta corta duración y lo sencillo de los ejercicios lo que aporta una conveniencia mayor y es que podemos hacerlos en cualquier lugar, puede ser en el coche, en la casa, en la escuela, en la oficina, en el transporte público, cualquier lugar donde sintamos la necesidad de activarnos, relajarnos o calmarnos. Y este aspecto de la duración y la sencillez están pensados de manera intencional por parte de la autora, que dicho sea de paso es experta en yoga para niños y además es una artista musical infantil.

En el libro vamos a encontrar que los ejercicios están divididos en secciones, tenemos ejercicios para mejorar la concentración, otros para llenarnos de energía, algunos otros para relajarnos cuando estamos estresados, tenemos incluso algunos para mejorar la imaginación y algunos más para cuando debemos calmarnos al estar enojados.

Los ejercicios vienen acompañados de ilustraciones muy bonitas de animales del bosque dibujados de una forma muy colorida y brillante, logran captar la atención de chicos y grandes de forma instantánea, además que los dibujos resultan de mucha utilidad ya que nos muestran las posiciones que debemos hacer en cada ejercicio.

Después de haber leído el libro y de haber practicado algunos de los ejercicios con mis hijos, puede dar mi opinión más puntual, a mí me encantó que la autora haya hecho los ejercicios, además de cortos y sencillos como ya lo explique, con cierto toque de humor, por ejemplo en uno de los ejercicios debemos soltar el aire diciendo: “Está ca-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-liente” y eso hace que los ejercicios sean más divertidos y amenos, que no se sienta como una sesión de yoga estricta en las posiciones por lo que los niños lo sienten como un juego, entonces obtienen los beneficios ya listados jugando, y la autora misma lo dice al inicio del libro, no necesitas de un cojín de yoga o ningún instrumento especializado para realizar las actividades del libro, basta con que te sientes derecho donde sea que estés y respires. Todo esto hace que no sea difícil que los niños se sientan atraídos a realizar los ejercicios de respiración.

Además, como “usuario” del libro que ya fui durante prácticamente una semana puedo dar fe de que los ejercicios funcionan, claro que funcionan, estuvimos realizando algunos en la noche antes de dormir y durante dos noches dormí de principio a fin sin problema, algo no muy común en mí.

Recomiendo el libro para absolutamente todas las personas, como ya expliqué aporta beneficios muy amplios para los niños, sin duda, pero los jóvenes y adultos también nos podemos beneficiar de él, contiene ejercicios que ayudan a cualquier persona sin importar la edad lo que lo convierte en un excelente aporte al librero de la casa e incluso si necesitas hacer un regalo ¿pues qué mejor opción que este libro?

[Julia Tetreault · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title (italicize): Breathe like a Bear
Author:Kira Willey
Illustrator : Annie betts
Genre: mindfulness
Theme(s):children being calm
Opening line/sentence: It's cold and snowy
Brief Book Summary: Breathe like a bear is about a little bear trying to get out of the cold. He is searching for a warm cave which he ends up finding. The story expresses the calmness of the bear by having him breathe in and out, which is a great way for the kids to join in and be a part of. the bear also engages with other animals that breathe with him.
Response to Two Professional Reviews : On another description on Good Reads it was expressed that the illustrations are amazing and well thought out and i would have to agree. The pictures are so colorful and have a calming tone towards them. A review from Barnes and Noble described the story and it way of engaging with the children and allowing them to practice their skills of calmness and their social emotional learning.
Tell Me Framework:
Like(s): The engagement that the story give for the kids to stay focused. This story is a perfect time to be used right before nap time after their busy day at school. The story also had very colorful pictures
Dislike(s): I truly like tis book but if i had to dislike something maybe a bears name.
Patterns(s): The breathe in and out skills that children use to calm down
Puzzle(s): Are there more animals the bear can interact with??
Consideration of Instructional Application :Breathe like a bear creates a mindful and calmness setting for kids to find peace. The book tells stories that help the children focus and have imagination and express their social emotional well beings. There is more than one series but all tell stories that connect with the children after a busy day and it is time to calm themselves. The story is also very engaging for the children and asks questions to see if things in the pictures can be spotted out.

[Marian Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book to find some helpful transitions for storytime and this is exactly the right book for that! I have several pages bookmarked with exercises I want to try, but I haven't used any yet. I can adjust my rating once I've used some because maybe this deserves 5 stars.

I'm most interested in: Candle Breath, Flower Breath, Rainstorm, Be a Bumblebee, Today I'm Going to Be, 1 - 2 - 3 Clap!, Scrunch and Let Go, and Shoulder Rolls. These exercises are from different chapters, which include Be Calm, Focus, Imagine, Make Some Energy, and Relax.

Also, the adorable art and lovely use of color cannot be overstated. The 2-page spreads have a color gradient that is more interesting than solid colors (like orange that lightens to yellow for an energetic buzz or red and purple that meld together and ooze coziness and warmth). 10/10 stars for the woodland animals performing the exercises, the nature illustrations, and the colorful, fun lettering.

The author is also a musician and I purchased her song "Shake It" to try in my fall storytimes, and the illustrator has an Etsy shop and I just might buy myself something lovely to hang on my wall.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terrific book. There is good advice for parents/teachers in the beginning of the book (choose a couple favorites and be able to pull them out of your back pocket without the book)--and that technique may be most helpful with the pre-readers in your life. They are carefully written and well-imagined guided breathing with various intents: to focus, to be calm, to imagine, to make some energy, or to relax--which is too abstract a description for younger kids. So, "let's breathe like a bear!" Or "let's take five!" or "1 2 3 Clap!" or "Lion breath!"

Older readers can read/choose their own options (and there are many), although I have the sense this will be more effective for elementary readers, maybe stretching into maybe middle school? I can't yet articulate why, and I could certainly be wrong. Whether it is or not, these are clearly good strategies that children can learn to help themselves.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breathe Like a Bear is a beautifully illustrated collection of mindfulness exercises designed to teach kids techniques for managing their bodies, breath, and emotions. Best of all, these 30 simple, short breathing practices and movements can be performed anytime, anywhere: in the car to the grocery store, during heavy homework nights at home, or even at a child’s desk at school. Based on Kira Willey’s Parents’ Choice GOLD Award-winning CD, Mindful Moments for Kids, this one-of-a-kind book is sure to help kids find calm, gain focus, and feel energized during the day, and encourage families to establish a fun and consistent mindfulness practice, whether at home or on the go.

[James]

Breathe Like a Bear is a beautifully illustrated collection of mindfulness exercises designed to teach kids techniques for managing their bodies, breath, and emotions. Best of all, these 30 simple, short breathing practices and movements can be performed anytime, anywhere: in the car to the grocery store, during heavy homework nights at home, or even at a child’s desk at school. Based on Kira Willey’s Parents’ Choice GOLD Award-winning CD, Mindful Moments for Kids, this one-of-a-kind book is sure to help kids find calm, gain focus, and feel energized during the day, and encourage families to establish a fun and consistent mindfulness practice, whether at home or on the go.

[Diana Flores · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would have loved to have this book in my classroom. It is marketed towards younger children, but my 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students would have enjoyed the exercises (breathing, meditation, a bit of movement & stretching).

Text is ready to read aloud, or read to yourself, and illustrations are some of my favorites!

As an adult, I'll be using these mindful moments myself and integrating into library storytimes for young children. Maybe even with the teenagers in the TAB program! Good for everyone.

[Andrés · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really excellent book for toddlers through grade schoolers, and a helpful guide for caregivers who need a resource to help them get through a difficult moment. The animal illustrations are colorful, patterned, sweet, and fun, and the read-aloud guided meditations help the listener find and connect with their breath. These are a delight; something to keep within arm's reach at all times. I also recommend the Willey's board book: Mindfulness Moments for Kids: Hot Cocoa Calm.

[Christine (Tina) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is inspirational in that it takes all emotions any of us may feel and puts mindfulness and breathing at the focus for children. Different techniques are taught through friendly animal images. Our elementary school principal came to the library for a mindfulness storytime recently and used these techniques with pre-schoolers. It was the first time I have seen these children sit in a circle completely engaged for a full 40 minutes! It works!

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I teach a couple preschool classes at the Y, and I sought this book out after hearing my niece’s 4K teacher talking about it. I am so looking forward to incorporating these into my classes for a moment to get us breathing and relaxing before calm moments (reading) or warmed up for more moving moments (music time). I also feel like I could take a few of these things with myself as an adult to get through my days.

[Nivea Torres · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun introduction to mindfulness exercises for children. I actually think that many of the exercises can be used as a warm-up activity with teachers so that they can later model with their students. My favorite section was "Imagine". For example, Imagine You're a Tree, Send Good Thoughts, and Kindness. These particular mindfulness exercises help us focus on spreading warmth and empathy towards others.

[Sara David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have utlized this book probably more than any other book on my shelves. We are a homeschooling family of a child with lots of hyperactivity and we use this book to calm down before exciting or nerve-wracking events, before sleep, before classwork and sometimes just for fun on a rainy day. I would recommend it to any family, kids of all ages can use it and I think every classroom should have it.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great way to teach kids about mindfulness.

Things I liked:
- The illustrations are so adorable!! Seriously, they are great and are the best part of the book. They match the descriptions so well.
- This book does a great job teaching kids how to be mindful. The practices are simple enough for kids to follow along and they are fun enough to keep them engaged.
- This book even helps adults. I feel calmer after following along with this book.

[Analie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Pretend you're a bear, hibernating for the winter. When bears hibernate, they breathe slooowly, in and out through their noses." This cute intro to "Bear Breath" is just one of dozens of cute animal- and nature-inspired exercises to help kids with fear, worry, hyperactivity, or depression. I love the illustrations, which are soothing and friendly for young ones, and the lessons taught about kindness, focus, and being present.

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful book! The lessons contained in this book are explained in easy-to-understand language appropriate for the very young and engaging enough for older kids as well. Long established breathing exercises are given fun names and the cues simplified in ways that make them accessible to young kids to practice by themselves, with family members, or at school. I can't wait to share this book with others.