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The ABCs of Calm: Discover Mindfulness from A-Z and Breathe Away Anxiety for Babies and Toddlers
Finding your calm is as easy as A, B, C with this sweet alphabet board book for babies and toddlers, the perfect graduation gift!
From Affirmations in the morning to Zzzz's at night, explore mindfulness every day with your little one! Filled with charming rhymes, adorable animal illustrations, and simple tips and techniques backed by occupational therapist and yoga instructor Brooke Backsen, this delightful ABC book teaches children important social emotional skills to quiet anxiety and find their inner calm. This sweet and soothing story makes mindfulness easy from A to Z, because it's never too early to help children develop stress relief and coping skills for lifelong wellness.
The perfect mindfulness book for kids ages 0-3—made just for their little hands—ABCs of Calm makes a wonderful gift for baby showers, birthdays, back to school, graduation, Valentine's Day, Easter basket or holiday stocking stuffers, or other special moments all year long!
K is for Kindness. It makes the world go round.
L is for Listen. Even trees make a sound.
M is for Mindful. I'm present and aware.
N is for Nature. I show the Earth that I care.
From Affirmations in the morning to Zzzz's at night, explore mindfulness every day with your little one! Filled with charming rhymes, adorable animal illustrations, and simple tips and techniques backed by occupational therapist and yoga instructor Brooke Backsen, this delightful ABC book teaches children important social emotional skills to quiet anxiety and find their inner calm. This sweet and soothing story makes mindfulness easy from A to Z, because it's never too early to help children develop stress relief and coping skills for lifelong wellness.
The perfect mindfulness book for kids ages 0-3—made just for their little hands—ABCs of Calm makes a wonderful gift for baby showers, birthdays, back to school, graduation, Valentine's Day, Easter basket or holiday stocking stuffers, or other special moments all year long!
K is for Kindness. It makes the world go round.
L is for Listen. Even trees make a sound.
M is for Mindful. I'm present and aware.
N is for Nature. I show the Earth that I care.
28 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 5, 2022
19 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
July 8, 2022
This is a Children's book that I read to my twin boys. I love the pictures in this book, and I love the calming parts. I do wish they tried to use more of the letter words like the d page uses words that start with d. Some pages did that, but some of the pages did not. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
April 20, 2022
With different animals, the ABC's help young readers to cope with stress. S is stretch, I pick a pose, and then I bend. A sweet sloth is showing you how. Each letter ties the animal too, so it gives parents a teaching moment in different realms. A great read for little ones and their parents.
A special thank you to Sourcebooks Kids and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
A special thank you to Sourcebooks Kids and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
June 6, 2024
6/5/2024 - Great book and illustrations. I liked that the end had examples of how to help calm yourself.
July 9, 2022
ABCs of Calm
Discover Mindfulness from A-Z
by: Rose Rossner and Brooke Backsen-Pediatric Occupational Therapist
SOURCEBOOKS Kids, Sourcebooks Wonderland
Children's Fiction
Pub date: July 05, 2022
This alphabet board book is designed to aid the development of social emotional skills in children. It introduces children to relaxation and mindfulness skills which help them relax. In addition, specific calming techniques for parents to use with their children are featured at the end of the book.
The pictures are engaging and presented in soothing shades and styles. Some of the vocabulary paired with the alphabet letters and pictures would not be on a level for young children to understand yet, but would serve as an introduction to higher level skills. Learning how to have positive sensory experiences in their lives and surroundings is so critical, and this book can really lay the foundation and enhance that for children.
I feel that children would benefit from having this sweet book read to them by the significant ones in their lives. At any age, we need peaceful time for reading, and ways to carryover that feeling into the more stressful times that we all face.
Thank you to Net Galley and SOURCEBOOKS Kids, Sourcebooks Wonderland
for the advance reader's copy and opportunity to provide my unbiased review.
#NetGalley #ABCsofCalm #RoseRossner #SourcebooksKids #SourcebooksWonderland
Discover Mindfulness from A-Z
by: Rose Rossner and Brooke Backsen-Pediatric Occupational Therapist
SOURCEBOOKS Kids, Sourcebooks Wonderland
Children's Fiction
Pub date: July 05, 2022
This alphabet board book is designed to aid the development of social emotional skills in children. It introduces children to relaxation and mindfulness skills which help them relax. In addition, specific calming techniques for parents to use with their children are featured at the end of the book.
The pictures are engaging and presented in soothing shades and styles. Some of the vocabulary paired with the alphabet letters and pictures would not be on a level for young children to understand yet, but would serve as an introduction to higher level skills. Learning how to have positive sensory experiences in their lives and surroundings is so critical, and this book can really lay the foundation and enhance that for children.
I feel that children would benefit from having this sweet book read to them by the significant ones in their lives. At any age, we need peaceful time for reading, and ways to carryover that feeling into the more stressful times that we all face.
Thank you to Net Galley and SOURCEBOOKS Kids, Sourcebooks Wonderland
for the advance reader's copy and opportunity to provide my unbiased review.
#NetGalley #ABCsofCalm #RoseRossner #SourcebooksKids #SourcebooksWonderland
October 25, 2022
Absolutely fantastic. Here's a list of reasons why:
1. Author is an expert. Many children's books are written by people who are experts at writing and illustrating for children, but not necessarily in the book topic. These are solid coping strategies. I'm in my 40s, but decided to read this book when I recognized I was struggling with a minor PTSD flashback. Just reading the book got me back to normal very quickly. These are really good tips for dealing with a human nervous system period, not watered or dumbed down for children.
2. It's extremely cute. The illustrations are cute, and the animal choices are excellent - always a delight to see a unicorn for U. The whole page for X was kind of a copout, and I get why, but I can forgive it b/c of the adorable foxes.
3. The variety of approaches is cool for two reasons. First, it introduces the idea that calming down could mean more than just doing some deep breaths. Like H is for helping, which is not something anyone has ever suggested to me do to when anxious, and very rarely even as a larger tool for coping with stress (maybe sometimes depression), but helping obviously has an important place in a respectful, calm household. And secondly, it primes kids from an early age to approach their emotional needs as a multi-pronged thing. Sometimes you'll need one tool, sometimes another. Reading through it again, different stuff will appeal or intrigue in different situations. Recognizing that handling my feelings can require different actions depending on different circumstances may seem obvious, but it's actually pretty rare that this is suggested, even by professional therapists. It seems absolutely genius to introduce the idea early to young humans that taking care of feelings will require different tasks at different times, and there's a whole alphabet of options available.
4. There's a list of exercises that you can do with a child to practice some of the principles in the book. Great for non-child-expert dopes like me who want to help kids integrate the skills, but don't want to be boring and lame.
I'm glad I picked this up, because I thought it would be mildly fun/amusing for me, but now I'm absolutely buying this for all the kiddos in my life. I would have insisted I hated this book as a kid, and it would have been super helpful to me anyway.
1. Author is an expert. Many children's books are written by people who are experts at writing and illustrating for children, but not necessarily in the book topic. These are solid coping strategies. I'm in my 40s, but decided to read this book when I recognized I was struggling with a minor PTSD flashback. Just reading the book got me back to normal very quickly. These are really good tips for dealing with a human nervous system period, not watered or dumbed down for children.
2. It's extremely cute. The illustrations are cute, and the animal choices are excellent - always a delight to see a unicorn for U. The whole page for X was kind of a copout, and I get why, but I can forgive it b/c of the adorable foxes.
3. The variety of approaches is cool for two reasons. First, it introduces the idea that calming down could mean more than just doing some deep breaths. Like H is for helping, which is not something anyone has ever suggested to me do to when anxious, and very rarely even as a larger tool for coping with stress (maybe sometimes depression), but helping obviously has an important place in a respectful, calm household. And secondly, it primes kids from an early age to approach their emotional needs as a multi-pronged thing. Sometimes you'll need one tool, sometimes another. Reading through it again, different stuff will appeal or intrigue in different situations. Recognizing that handling my feelings can require different actions depending on different circumstances may seem obvious, but it's actually pretty rare that this is suggested, even by professional therapists. It seems absolutely genius to introduce the idea early to young humans that taking care of feelings will require different tasks at different times, and there's a whole alphabet of options available.
4. There's a list of exercises that you can do with a child to practice some of the principles in the book. Great for non-child-expert dopes like me who want to help kids integrate the skills, but don't want to be boring and lame.
I'm glad I picked this up, because I thought it would be mildly fun/amusing for me, but now I'm absolutely buying this for all the kiddos in my life. I would have insisted I hated this book as a kid, and it would have been super helpful to me anyway.
January 1, 2023
I was ambivalent before opening the book, but honestly I might need to buy a copy for myself so I'm not as reliant on the library keeping their copy.
The art is adorable. I saw E and thought it would easily be my favorite, but then there was I and J and M and N and O and...
Seriously, it's super cute art (that aligns with the text).
As far as the text goes, it's a simple rhyming alphabet book, like you should expect from the cover. The rhyming pattern works very well, and it seems like it's be fun to read aloud. Each idea is simplified to fit on the page, and may be memorable enough for someone to have some favorite lines to remember.
I think the title undersells it a bit, but "calm" fits well enough.
The art is adorable. I saw E and thought it would easily be my favorite, but then there was I and J and M and N and O and...
Seriously, it's super cute art (that aligns with the text).
As far as the text goes, it's a simple rhyming alphabet book, like you should expect from the cover. The rhyming pattern works very well, and it seems like it's be fun to read aloud. Each idea is simplified to fit on the page, and may be memorable enough for someone to have some favorite lines to remember.
I think the title undersells it a bit, but "calm" fits well enough.
August 11, 2022
This book was so cute and kind!
I enjoyed the pictures as did my youngest kiddo and the thoughtful words that went with each page!
We especially loved:
G is for Grateful. I have a full and thankful heart.
K is for Kindness. It makes the world go round.
If you're looking for a super cute ABC book filled with inspirational words and cute illustrations for your kids-- this is the book for you and your family!!!
Super adorable and will be reading again!
Recv'd a copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
I enjoyed the pictures as did my youngest kiddo and the thoughtful words that went with each page!
We especially loved:
G is for Grateful. I have a full and thankful heart.
K is for Kindness. It makes the world go round.
If you're looking for a super cute ABC book filled with inspirational words and cute illustrations for your kids-- this is the book for you and your family!!!
Super adorable and will be reading again!
Recv'd a copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
January 2, 2023
This was a really cute book! A sweet childrens book about mindfulness and self love?! Yes please 💛 The simple little messages for each letter are great and easy for young children to understand, and the accompanying pictures are adorable. Ronan was engaged the entire time and wanted to read it again! I am all for embracing emotions, feeling your feelings and learning ways to cope with the tough ones. This is definitely a book I will purchase when it comes out.
August 30, 2022
This board book was simply lovely. One of the things the author did well was for each thing of calmness they also had the animal that matched the letter and what they came up with for x with a fox and the point of calm that they use just worked so well. This is a book I would put on my shelf both personally and my library because I think it was that well done
September 1, 2022
Read to my 7 month old grandson. Pretty, colorful pages. I loved that the letters represent more of how we should act ( kindness, togetherness) our feelings ( joy, positivity, worry) than the traditional animal ABCs or common ABC representation of letters.
March 22, 2023
The mindfulness book I wish I would have had as a child. So calming and fun to read! I also appreciated the mindfulness strategies listed at the end of the book, particularly the flower breathing technique.
December 16, 2024
This book is my baby's favorite, and I love reading it to him. The illustrations keep him engaged, and the words are meaningful, reminding us of simple, essential lessons we often forget to teach. He wants to read it every day.
November 22, 2022
Use the ABCs to remind our youngest folks of all the lovely ways to find and stay calm. It might be a good reminder for us older folks, too.
January 16, 2023
A book of kind things to do and be from A to Z.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2023
It's sweet and somewhat calming, but not exactly a book about mindfulness.
June 6, 2024
6/5/2024 - Read with Momma. I liked naming the letters and animals. Momma and I practiced deep breathing.
May 5, 2022
My dilemma:
I love this board book, but it is not written for children. It is not written in words they can understand, or using concepts they will grasp for many years (in some cases).
The illustrations are delightful, and I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to older children, teens, and adults as reminders of things they can do daily (or in emergencies) to relieve stress, reduce anxiety, and help those with depression, fear, or anger problems.
I suspect that the book was released with a reading age for babies and toddlers (up to age 3 years) because of the physical calming technique page at the end of the book. It provides instructions for helping children feel safe and calm. This makes sense because the book is written by an occupational therapist (and yoga instructor) who helps children develop and improve social and emotional skills.
My review:
This is an illustrated board book using cartoon-style animals to lead readers through the alphabet, with reminders about calming thoughts and techniques. Nothing more technical than being mindful (present and aware). However, several pages contain concepts children will not grasp at all.
Calm is essentially about happy equilibrium.
The rhyming in the text is slightly rough, but each page has a delightful animal (who's name corresponds with the letter), and a great reminder of things that can be done to reach and maintain calm.
The target audience and marketing for this book is confusing. Although the messages can certainly help babies and toddlers up to age 3 years (listed as the reading age), the language and comprehension used in the book is well over 5th grade (age 11) in my opinion.
I doubt that many adults can explain mindfulness to a young child in a way they understand.
As a book for babies and toddlers:
1/5 Stars Beautiful and cheerful illustrations that can help the much older child-to adult reader.
As a book for older children (comprehension appropriate):
5/5 Stars Beautiful and cheerful, great advice and reminders for daily or occasional calm.
Current rating:
2/5 Stars PLEASE reevaluate the reading level and target audience! I would LOVE to change my review!
Thanks to Sourcebooks and NetGalley for the preview of this wonderful ebook pdf; the review is voluntary.
#SourcebooksKids #SourcebooksWonderland
#NetGalley #ABCsofCalm
#AlphabetBoardBook
#ChildrensFiction
I love this board book, but it is not written for children. It is not written in words they can understand, or using concepts they will grasp for many years (in some cases).
The illustrations are delightful, and I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to older children, teens, and adults as reminders of things they can do daily (or in emergencies) to relieve stress, reduce anxiety, and help those with depression, fear, or anger problems.
I suspect that the book was released with a reading age for babies and toddlers (up to age 3 years) because of the physical calming technique page at the end of the book. It provides instructions for helping children feel safe and calm. This makes sense because the book is written by an occupational therapist (and yoga instructor) who helps children develop and improve social and emotional skills.
My review:
This is an illustrated board book using cartoon-style animals to lead readers through the alphabet, with reminders about calming thoughts and techniques. Nothing more technical than being mindful (present and aware). However, several pages contain concepts children will not grasp at all.
Calm is essentially about happy equilibrium.
The rhyming in the text is slightly rough, but each page has a delightful animal (who's name corresponds with the letter), and a great reminder of things that can be done to reach and maintain calm.
The target audience and marketing for this book is confusing. Although the messages can certainly help babies and toddlers up to age 3 years (listed as the reading age), the language and comprehension used in the book is well over 5th grade (age 11) in my opinion.
I doubt that many adults can explain mindfulness to a young child in a way they understand.
As a book for babies and toddlers:
1/5 Stars Beautiful and cheerful illustrations that can help the much older child-to adult reader.
As a book for older children (comprehension appropriate):
5/5 Stars Beautiful and cheerful, great advice and reminders for daily or occasional calm.
Current rating:
2/5 Stars PLEASE reevaluate the reading level and target audience! I would LOVE to change my review!
Thanks to Sourcebooks and NetGalley for the preview of this wonderful ebook pdf; the review is voluntary.
#SourcebooksKids #SourcebooksWonderland
#NetGalley #ABCsofCalm
#AlphabetBoardBook
#ChildrensFiction
April 14, 2022
A delightfully simple exploration on mindfulness, Rossner has created an alphabet book with a focus on social-emotional vocabulary. Tackling all five SEL core competencies, it touches on self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision making, social awareness, and relationship skills.
With a cute cast of critter characters for each letter, the simple illustrations and simple text are a great way to open conversations between adults and young readers on what the different words mean to them and how to incorporate them into daily life. With words like breath, feelings, kindness, and positivity, this book is a introductory guide to mindfulness concepts.
This story was both entertaining and educational, which can be a tricky balance to maintain in a children’s book, and I will be suggesting it to teachers whenever possible. Incorporating topics such as this into children's picture books is a tried and true way to teach important life skills in a way that is fun. This would be an amazing addition for classrooms, libraries, counselling offices and more.
With a cute cast of critter characters for each letter, the simple illustrations and simple text are a great way to open conversations between adults and young readers on what the different words mean to them and how to incorporate them into daily life. With words like breath, feelings, kindness, and positivity, this book is a introductory guide to mindfulness concepts.
This story was both entertaining and educational, which can be a tricky balance to maintain in a children’s book, and I will be suggesting it to teachers whenever possible. Incorporating topics such as this into children's picture books is a tried and true way to teach important life skills in a way that is fun. This would be an amazing addition for classrooms, libraries, counselling offices and more.
March 22, 2023
This pleasant ABC book educates youngsters vital social and emotional aids to hush unease and find their inward calm. The pictures are quite entertaining, colorful and responsive.
March 27, 2022
Thanks so much to the publishers for a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
Today we have 5 triquetras which means "I loved it!"
This book can be quite the education powerhouse! We've got the alphabet, animals that begin with each letter in the alphabet, sight words associated with the letter, as well as mindfulness and affirmations - AND affirmations that relate to nature too?? This is a complete win for me, and I think that parents, caregivers, libraries, schools, daycares etc should all have a copy.
The illustrations were beautiful, bright, colorful and pleasing to the eye. All the animals are adorable and littles will adore their cute faces.
I can't wait to use it during my circle times and story times for the little ones I care for!
Today we have 5 triquetras which means "I loved it!"
This book can be quite the education powerhouse! We've got the alphabet, animals that begin with each letter in the alphabet, sight words associated with the letter, as well as mindfulness and affirmations - AND affirmations that relate to nature too?? This is a complete win for me, and I think that parents, caregivers, libraries, schools, daycares etc should all have a copy.
The illustrations were beautiful, bright, colorful and pleasing to the eye. All the animals are adorable and littles will adore their cute faces.
I can't wait to use it during my circle times and story times for the little ones I care for!
March 31, 2022
This beautiful rhyming board book gives one mindfulness tool for each letter of the alphabet such as feelings, kindness and calm. The sweet and calming pictures as well as the rhythmic flow of the words produce a soothing feeling of relaxation as you read. This book is a stepping stone for young children and an entry way into exploring our feelings and how to manage them. I feel that it would be easy for families or preschool teachers to use this book as a tool in teaching calming activities and strategies for young children. I would recommend this book for infants and toddlers in the 6 months of 3 years age range. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this lovely book.
March 27, 2022
I loved this! This is a great tool for educators and parents/guardians. The book takes you through the ABCs, each with a relevant word and a short descriptive phrase. The illustrations are lovely and attractive, and I believe it's written simply enough for young children to understand. This is a great short story to teach and encourage younger children important skills such as kindness, regulating emotions, calming and more. Highly recommend! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the free preview in exchange for an honest review.
April 4, 2022
The fact that this book starts with "A is for Affirmation" kind of threw me off reading it for a little bit. The book is actually very cute, and the other letters are simpler so it is fine for younger readers / listeners. Each page has a different "ABC of Calm" letter and animal whose name starts with that same letter. It was fun going through these with my four-year-old and talking about what each of the words meant. It is a nice wind-down book for before bed.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Wonderland and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this free e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Wonderland and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this free e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
June 2, 2022
Board Book
I received an electronic ARC from SOURCEBOOKS Kids through NetGalley.
An alphabet journey through believing in yourself and learning to relax and calm down when stressed. Each page offers a letter and word along with a brief explanation for using that word. Informative text is included for adults at the end. The illustrations are welcoming and simple to support the text.
Terrific introduction to mindfulness for toddlers and preschoolers as well as a refresher for older readers.
An ideal baby gift.
I received an electronic ARC from SOURCEBOOKS Kids through NetGalley.
An alphabet journey through believing in yourself and learning to relax and calm down when stressed. Each page offers a letter and word along with a brief explanation for using that word. Informative text is included for adults at the end. The illustrations are welcoming and simple to support the text.
Terrific introduction to mindfulness for toddlers and preschoolers as well as a refresher for older readers.
An ideal baby gift.
April 11, 2022
This book goes through the alphabet and with each letter a word and a statement that helps promote calm and mindfulness for the child reading it. I love how this book is so simple that it helps the reader really focus on the techniques. The book focuses on affirmation words and statements, breathing and other calming techniques, and help you become and stay calm.
I will definitely be buying a copy when it comes out. It will be incredibly helpful for my autistic child.
I will definitely be buying a copy when it comes out. It will be incredibly helpful for my autistic child.
April 14, 2022
This is a good story introducing young children to mindfulness and kindness. I liked the idea of going through the alphabet to teach the lessons. I think some of the words may be too advanced for younger children. I liked at the end how it explained mindfulness and how to practice it. The illustrations were beautiful and helped to explain the concepts. Good read for young kids.
Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebook Kids for access to this ARC.
Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebook Kids for access to this ARC.
March 30, 2022
The importance of mindfulness goes without saying. ABCs of Calm by Rose Rossner is a helpful, beautifully illustrated book to share with young children. It is in rhyme so it makes it even more enjoyable to read, and the terms are appropriate to explain and have a learning experience with. I see this being very helpful to many children.
March 30, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange of my honest opinion.
I loved this book! It is a very cute way to teach little kids both, the alphabet and also mindfulness!
I also think that the pictures are quite fun and that they go perfectly with the story!
I loved this book! It is a very cute way to teach little kids both, the alphabet and also mindfulness!
I also think that the pictures are quite fun and that they go perfectly with the story!
March 30, 2022
I received this arc in exchange for my honest review.
I was pleasantly satisfied with this book. I wasn't sure what to expect, but a lot of thought went into it. Each letter mayches a mindful word and an animal (ie. J for jellyfish, v for vulture), and the illustrations are so cute! There is a page of mindfulness exercises at the end as well. This is going to be a great resource!
I was pleasantly satisfied with this book. I wasn't sure what to expect, but a lot of thought went into it. Each letter mayches a mindful word and an animal (ie. J for jellyfish, v for vulture), and the illustrations are so cute! There is a page of mindfulness exercises at the end as well. This is going to be a great resource!
May 20, 2022
I received an advance copy from NetGalley.
I really enjoyed this little book! I think teaching kids about mindfulness early is such a great idea. I loved the tips at the end.
I do wonder if some of the letters might be a bit complicated, and X must have been a hard one to come up with :)
The illustrations were super cute too!
I really enjoyed this little book! I think teaching kids about mindfulness early is such a great idea. I loved the tips at the end.
I do wonder if some of the letters might be a bit complicated, and X must have been a hard one to come up with :)
The illustrations were super cute too!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews