I Am Peace by Susan Verde

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.