Breathe Like a Bear: First Day of School Worries: A Story with a Calming Mantra and Mindful Prompts (Mindfulness Moments for Kids) by Anni Betts, Kira Willey
ISBN: 0593486722
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads

Bear, Bird, and Fawn are anxiously making their way to their first day of school – each one worried about being different. They meet a wise owl who gives them a mantra to remind them to take a deep breath and remember their similarities. Full of prompts to spark conversations between caregivers and children, and the (somewhat repetitive) mantra, this book specifically addresses childhood anxiety for big firsts. The story itself is kind and sweet, but the prompts and mantra make this book more for addressing a difficult topic, rather than an everyday go-to read aloud. Recommended for ages 5-6.

Reviewed by Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell