Crafting Calm: Art and Activities for Mindful Kids by Megan Borgert-Spaniol and Lauren Kukla
Illustrated by Aruna Rangarajan
Beaming Books, Releases on November 3rd, 2020, 43 pages
About the Author: “Megan Borgert-Spaniol is a children’s author and editor. She likes to read and write about how people think, behave, and relate to one another. She also enjoys yoga, croissants, and crafting homemade pizzas. Megan lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.” (Bio provided by Beaming Books)
Instagram: @startermenu
About the Author: “Lauren Kukla is an author and editor of books and media for kids. Her favorite kinds of books to write are the ones that make her think. She lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.” (Bio provided by Beaming Books)
About the Illustrator: “Aruna Rangarajan is an illustrator who lives with her family in Minneapolis. She loves drawing interesting things, such as mandalas for books about keeping your calm.” (Bio provided by Beaming Books)
Twitter: @arunimal
Website: Arunar.com
What is mindfulness? Some adults would admit they aren’t fully sure of the context — and a child would feel the same — but with Crafting Calm, it gives parents the tools and steps needed to show their children how to be mindful. From chapter to chapter, with a page introduction guiding each segment, children will learn what emotions mean, tips on harnessing emotions, and asking broad questions that can spark conversations between parent and child. Crafting Calm will give a guide on what’s needed to complete an activity and step by step instructions, along with examples or facts that pertain to the activity, etc. With activities like Zen Gardens or Mood Art, children learn how to cope with their emotions, and respond to them in a healthy way. From understanding how to keep calm, examining and observing emotions and thoughts, being present, to capturing joy and gratitude — these chapters will not only create fun activities for children but will show that being mindful is a great takeaway.
Children will get a detailed, well-balanced look at how these activities will help them down the road. Parents will be able to help their children, and in turn, help themselves recognize their child’s emotions and reactions. Crafting Calm will help children be able to keep their emotions at a healthy balance, letting them know that mental health is an important thing to be aware of. This carefully curated children’s activity book will be the perfect introduction to any household who is opening a door to the world of mindfulness, learning what it can bring to both children and parents.
(Pine Reads would like to thank Mallory Hayes and the publisher for providing us with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change upon final publication.)
PRR Writer, Adrienne Park