Children's Mindfulness Books
About the Author
Natasha Iregbu is an Author from Edinburgh. She is a Mindfulness Teacher and Coach, Community Education Worker, Children and Teenagers Creative Mindfulness Practitioner, Speaker and Yoga Teacher.
Her debut children’s book, Slow Down Amaya, introduces mindfulness to children in a simple but effective way
Natasha has worked in the voluntary sector for over a decade. She has worked with a children, young people and adults from various backgrounds.
During her time working with children and young people, a large number of them had ASD and ADHD. Upon reflection, Natasha realised that she hadn’t seen many books which included characters who are Neurodiverse and that these children may not often see themselves reflected in books either.
Growing up Natasha didn't see characters who looked like her in books. She wanted to highlight the importance of diversity and representation through the characters in Slow Down Amaya and Slow Down Sammy.
Natasha witnessed the negative impact of the pandemic on the children she worked with. After sharing mindfulness with them and seeing the benefits it had on their wellbeing and emotional literacy she was motivated to share these tools with more children.
Background
I wrote Slow Down Amaya and Slow Down Sammy to introduce children to mindfulness in simple but effective ways through storytelling.
During my time working with children and young people, a large number of them had ASD and ADHD. Upon reflection I realised that I hadn’t saw many books which included characters who are Neurodiverse and that these children might not regularly see themselves reflected in books.
Additionally, growing up I didn't see characters who looked like me in books. I wanted to reflect the ethnic diversity in the UK, particularly in Scotland, in my book
I wanted to acknowledge and highlight the importance of representation through the characters in Slow Down Amaya and Slow Down Sammy.
I hope that children can accepting each other's differences and being kind to themselves and others with the help of my book.
I was inspired to write the book after noticing the negative impact of the pandemic on the children I worked with. After sharing mindfulness with the children and seeing the benefits it had to their wellbeing and emotional literacy I was motivated to share these tools with more children.
Slow Down Amaya
Come along on Amaya’s journey of slowing down and meeting a new friend in nature.
Amaya is a friendly and excitable butterfly who is always busy. She learns to slow down and be in the here and now by using her senses. Amaya guides children through a mindfulness activity to practice being in the moment.
This mindfulness based picture book helps children explore emotions, friendship, kindness and inclusivity. It is the perfect way to support children develop their creative thinking and includes activity pages for added fun.
Target age: 4-7 years old
However younger and older children can also read it.
Order
Slow Down Sammy
Discover how mindfulness can help reduce worries and create a calmer mind.
Sammy feels anxious and worried about an upcoming event. With Amaya’s help, he begins to let go of his worries and feels more at ease by playing a mindfulness game.
The story explores the rollercoaster of emotions that are felt when thinking about the future.
Slow Down Sammy includes activity pages to support children with exploring their emotions and ways to manage feeling worried.
Target age: 4-7 years old
However younger and older children can also read the story.
Have you started thinking about gifts for children this Christmas?
Books are a great present for children of all ages!
The Mindfully Slow Down Series is available as a bundle, which would be the perfect present for a child in your life.
Find out more here
For more children's book ideas for Christmas check out this Holiday Guide by Author Kelsey Chen!