Times are seriously WEIRD. I’ll be honest – our family is feeling the strain. We’re totally fine. But it is wearing on us. As my neighbor just posted in a group text, “I feel like an Olympian if I survive a day of teaching my kids from home, working from home, and keeping us generally alive…” My mantra every morning is: patience and gratitude. But what really fills my bucket is to think of things I can do for other people. Since I’m a children’s librarian (and also a mom), I thought I’d share with you a few children’s books about self-care and gratitude for others.
Rule #1: Take care of your self
I Am Love by Susan Verde and Art by Peter Reynolds.
This power duo has created a joyful and simple picture book of how love can carry you through kinds of trouble- especially if we practice self-love first.
Look and Be Grateful by Tomie de Paola.
Tomie de Paola — need I say more? His unique are and meditative writing will soothe the souls of any age.
The Thankful Book by Todd Parr
Simple text and bold illustrations launch a great conversation of all the things we can be thankful for.
Project You: More than 50 Ways to Calm Down, De-stress and Feel Great by Aubre and Andrea and Karen Bluth
Although officially a “teen” book, this is for anyone. Terrific suggestions for practicing mindfulness and self-care for all ages.
Stop, Breathe, Chill by Beth Stebner
Also published for teens, this gem is a go-to for kids of all ages. And frankly, this might need to be my new mantra.
Rule #2 Do something for someone else
When I am at my lowest it always helps me to feel like I am spreading joy somewhere: dropping off surprise batch of play doh to a neighbor with youngsters, sending a silly emojis, grabbing an extra iced coffee for the mail carrier. My heart fills and have been trying to do more. Children’s books about self-care (and any books about self-care, really), inevitably involve gratitude and sharing with others. My daughter and I try to do something to full someone’s bucket each day.
Thank You Book by Mo Willems
Gerald and Piggie’s last book! They want to say thank you to you the reader. But it makes you think: who will you say thank you to?
Have You Filled A Bucket Today by Carol McCloud
We use this visual a lot in our family. If you haven’t discovered this concept yet, I highly recommend it. Young children through adults will appreciate this idea of filling our hearts and minds with good deeds and kindness.
Giving Thanks: More than 100 Ways to Say Thank You by Ellen Surrey
Need more inspiration? 100 ways should get the juices flowing. Cartoon-style illustrations make this as fun to read through as it is to brainstorm new ideas for bucket-filling.
The Complete Baking Book for Young Chefs by America’s Test Kitchen
I was having a BAD DAY last week and my friend showed up on my doorstep with cinnamon bread. Something about baked goods make me feel cared for. So I include this (which I’ve already posted about before) because we love the high quality recipes and instructions. Give the gift of the flourless chocolate cakes or Nutella cupcakes to yourself and a friend.
Strike A Pose: A Planet Girl Guide to Yoga by Karen Birkemoe
I include this one because it not only is yoga getting me through, it has fun ideas for self-care gifts to make. Homemade rubs, eye pillows, and more. These would make great gifts for yourself or that hardworking mama friend who needs a surprise!
