UN International Day of Peace, September 21
I Am Peace: A Book of Mindfulness
Susan Verde, Author
Peter H, Reynolds, Illustrator
Abrams Books for Young Readers, Fiction, Sep. 26, 2017
Suitable for Ages: 4-8
Themes: Mindfulness, Being present, Peace
Opening: There are times when I worry about what might happen next and what happened before.
Publishers Synopsis: “I give myself a moment. I take a breath. And then I tell myself: It’s all right. I am Peace.”
The world can be a noisy place for young minds, filled with worries, fears and doubts. Young readers will identify with the child in the book: “The thoughts in my head are like rushing water and I feel like a boat with no anchor…being carried away.” As these feelings get overwhelming, the child takes a moment to breathe, and in a practice of mindfulness, finds a space of peace and calm.
Children can learn how to manage their emotions, make good choices and balance their busy lives by learning to be mindful. Express emotions through speech. Find empathy through imagination. Wonder at the beauty of the natural world.
Why I like this book:
Given the landscape of today’s fast-paced technologically stimulated world, I Am Peace is a gentle and loving reminder for kids to appreciate living in the moment, calm their emotions, be patient and kind with themselves and others, and respect the simplicity of nature.
The creative team of I Am Peace, Susan Verde and Peter H. Reynolds, have once again collaborated on an engaging and interactive picture book — a treasure for children to grow up with. Verde has penned an original and joyful story of self-discovery. The lyrical text is written with simplicity giving readers time to grasp the importance the power of now. Reynolds’ illustration have his signature whimsical appeal. Just look at the cool book cover. His use of soothing watercolors gracefully captures the peaceful poses as the child meditates, watches clouds, and shares seeds of kindness where ever he/she goes.
l Am Peace is a companion book to I Am Yoga, written and illustrated by this dynamic duo. I am drawn to this beautiful story because of the benefits of teaching mindfulness to young children. If children learn a mindful practice in their developing years, it becomes a natural part of who they are. It gives them tools to bring balance into their busy lives, to engage mindfully, and develop a sense of well-being. Mindfulness will benefit children for a lifetime and help them change their world. I Am Peace is a timely book for children in light of the United Nation’s annual September 21 designation of International Day of Peace.
Resources: There is an Author’s Note for parents and teachers and a Guided Meditation at the end of the book that will echo the sentiments of the narrator. It is a beautiful introduction to peaceful meditation for children.
Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books (PPB) with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s website.
*Abrams provided me with an advanced reading copy (ARC) of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
What a wonderful book! It’s good that kids can read stuff like this. 🙂
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Yes, it is an important book to use with young children.
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I love it when we review on the same wave length, Pat. Everything Susan has written has been mindful so i can’t wait to read this. I feel more peaceful just looking at that cover by Peter.
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I agree — I love that peaceful and calming cover. You will enjoy this book too. Yes, we are on the same wave length because we share common interests. Are you ready for International Day of the Girl Child in October. I have a great MG to share.
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Always very timely and helpful book suggestions for PPBF Pat. This book is one we all need to read and embrace its message.
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Thank you Cathy! I was excited to share their latest collaboration!
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So timely, and another one of those books for all ages. Thanks for sharing!
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Yes, it is a book for all ages. Beautiful and timely gift book.
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This sounds like a book that could help me, too, as I go rushing about my day. Thanks for bringing this one to my attention, Pat. The cover illustration made me smile this morning. Thanks!
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Yes, the cover is effecting a lot of people in such a positive manner. Mindfulness is something children and their parents can practice together.
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Can’t have enough books about peace, now more than ever!
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I agree! It begins with each of us.
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Wow. This book looks wonderful. I will be checking it out. Thanks for the post.
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I think we all would benefit from using a mindfulness technique.
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These two always come up with winners. This one is so timely. The world needs books like this.
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I am so excited that publishers are finally seeing the importance of books like this for children and their families. Taught early, they could have tools for a lifetime.
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I’ve been waiting to read this one & your review makes me look forward to reading it even more. This looks like a new classic! Thanks for sharing.
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I am so thrilled with this important book for kids and families. I’m delighted publishers are recognizing their importance in our world.
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I am looking forward to reading this. Susan and Peter are such a wonderful team. Reading the first line tells me that this would have been such a good book for me when I was young. I’m grateful that kids in these far-from-peaceful days have books like this to help them cope.
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You will love the book! Doesn’t the cover just radiate peace! Yes, I agree that it is important books like I AM PEACE are available to children. Publishers have been publishing more books for young children on mindfulness, yoga, anger management and peace in the last few years. We need more!
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This book hasn’t arrived a moment too soon.
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The important thing is that it has arrived. Think you’ll enjoy this one!
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Thanks Patricia. This book sounds like a must have for my book shelves. The cover illustration is gorgeous, and I am very much in favour of the theme. Thanks for sharing.
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I know you will enjoy the book and meditation at the end. The cover radiates peace!
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I’m sure I will. 🙂
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