Mindful Tots: Tummy Ride, Calming Breaths for Little Ones by Whitney Stewart, illustrated by Rocio Alejandro. Barefoot Books, 9781782857488, 2019
Format: Board book
Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 5
Genre: Picture
What did you like about the book? My first thought when reading this book is how it would be an excellent addition to a story hour routine. The entire book shows young children how they can calm their bodies by simply breathing in and out. The pictures show children stretched out on a rug, floating on a raft, resting on a sandy beach, or sitting in a parent’s lap. Children place their hands on their tummies and watch their hands go up and down with each breath. I could really see this activity be repeated during a story time with several young children.
The bright illustrations provided by Rocio Alejandro are a wonderful accompaniment to the book, especially that children of diverse ethnicities can be seen. The illustrations feature children resting on the floor with the family pet, floating on a raft in a pool, and being supported by a parent as the float in the ocean waters — all common activities that they might see in their day.
Anything you didn’t like about it? No
To whom would you recommend this book? This board book is for very young children so I would say birth up to three years old.
Who should buy this book? Public libraries, daycares, preschools, anyone that works with children under the age of three.
Where would you shelve it? Board books
Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? Yes, I think this is something parents would like to read with their children and then do some of the breathing activities, especially just before nap or bedtime.
Reviewer Kristin Guay, former youth librarian
Date of review: June 19, 2019
Youth Services Book Review 
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