What’s in Your Mind Today?

PreS-Gr 1–Everyone has thoughts that can cloud their brain and distract or worry them. But with simple breathing techniques and recognizing that each person has their own troublesome thoughts, it becomes easier to calm down, take a breath, and gain some peace of mind. Thus, this quick and helpful instructional story helps young children work towards dealing with their own chaotic thoughts. Originally published in Australia, Bladen’s story makes its American debut. To start, the book highlights the words In and Out and from there the cadence of the book mimics breathing, and counts the number of breaths the reader is taking. Each successive page features the profile of a child, with the silhouette full of brightly illustrated images related to the child’s specific wandering thoughts, whether they are bouncing, worrisome, or flitting. For example; one child’s thoughts are bubbles, boiling and bursting, offering readers a pleasing alliterative metaphor. The story affirms that it is okay for children to have a difficult time with their thoughts while also offering a tried and true practice for coping.