Here: I Can Be Mindful

by Ally Condie, Jaime Kim (Illustrator)

In her debut picture book, Ally Condie introduces children to mindfulness and being grounded in the present.

Everyone experiences a wide range of emotions, and some of them are not easy to handle. Ally Condie has crafted a meditation that illustrates some practical ways to stay grounded when the world feels overwhelming. We can feel, taste, look, hear, or smell. We can be creative or express our thoughts. We can do kind things for others. We can ask for a hug.

Genres: Picture Books, Mental Health, Emotion, Childrens, Storytime, Meditation

32 pages, Hardcover

First published May 2, 2023

About the author

Ally Condie is a former high school English teacher who lives with her husband, three sons and one daughter outside of Salt Lake City, Utah. She loves reading, running, eating, and listening to her husband play guitar.

Reviews

[Erin Entrada Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book.

[Debby Tiner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is really beautiful— not only the art but the message. I love how it leaves room for our imagination and interaction, but it also gives specific examples of ways to set boundaries and be mindful of.

This would be so lovely to read with a child, as you could read it again and again but have all sorts of different conversations about the topics and how the child is feeling in that moment.

[Christine Joy · Rating 2 out of 5]

It reads like instructions, but it's too vague for me to tell you what for. I had high expectations considering the title, yet it disappointed me. I was especially looking forward to it because I enjoy the calming pictures. I was hoping for a children's book that approached dealing with emotions and being present in a nice way.

[Jared White · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good introduction or reminder for mindfulness and being present, when you're feeling good or need to feel better.

This is a fairly simple book, which in a way suits the topic well, and it has some good advice and practical things you can do to feel less blue (anxious, stressed, etc.).

It's short enough that I think it could work well in a lower elementary storytime or, with some guidance and discussion, could maybe work for a preschool storytime as well. Because of its practical nature, it could probably work for an upper elementary one too.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This picture book is a beautiful way to think about and recognize how we are feeling and ways to move forward when we are feeling down. I loved the way the woods conveyed different feelings and offered tangible ideas for moving out of anger or sadness and asking for what we need or don’t need. The illustrations were beautiful too! Well done Ally on your first picture book and kudos to Jaime Kim for your beautiful illustrations!

[J. Mann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This world can often feel overwhelming…for both kids and adults. Condie’s HERE gently reminds us to stay in the moment, our moment. To feel, taste, experience. Be creative. Express yourself. And ask for the things that will help make your moment—this moment—better. Like a warm hug. A much needed quiet read that needs to be read often.

[Jordyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet book and a great way to introduce kids to anxiety and mindfulness. (I also had my mind slightly blown when I learned this is the same author as the Matched series, which I LOVED in middle school.)

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book about mindfulness for children. I haveong been a fan of Ally Condie's young adult books. It was fun to see her write a children's book. A beautiful way to teach children to ground themselves in the moment.

[Terresa Wellborn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ally Condie's first picture book. Lovely, gentle/kawaii-style illustrations accompany inviting words towards well being and positive mental health through nature, giving to others, and the 5 senses.

Themes: emotions, mental health
Ages: toddler-1st grade
Pub year: 2023

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not totally sure when you'd pull this book out, but I think it would be a perfect fit for someone struggling with grounding themselves or big emotions.

[Heidi Burkhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

An authority excellent book for young kids about being present.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

New to the library, this is picture book about slowing down and feeling your body and emotions. Perfect to help your child learn to self-regulate.

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the message here… Mr 7 and miss 3 found it boring though…

[Meliss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love books that make mindfulness accessible to young children. Easy to follow examples of ways to navigate difficult emotions.

[Elona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple but effective picture book about feelings and mindfulness.

[Miss Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

A young boy finds ways to be supported and supportive of those around him. Preschool and up

[SamSamSam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Right on the mark! Simple but effective text. TALK, social-emotional

[Maureen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the illustrations; story - blah

[Patsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Illustrating simple mindful techniques, this book shows how to deal with the good days as well as the difficult ones. I would like to sit down and read this book with each of my grandchildren. And if I could turn back time, each of my children.

[Iván · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely message with wonderful illustrations.

Great for sensory storytimes; making sure all kids understand how to ground themselves when feeling overwhelmed.