I am thinking a lot about what we’ll bring from 2020 into 2021. There was so much that I’ll gladly leave behind, and also many catalysts for change for me and for our family. One thing I find myself grateful for is that we had to slow down and to be a supportive unit for one another. While the adjustment was really hard, I want to bring that slowness and intentionality to 2021. This stack is one I’m using to give us a good start on a calm, slow, intentional new year.
Already a Butterfly by Julia Alvarez and illustrated by Raúl Colón is a beautiful story of Mari Posa (cute!) who rushes around pollinating all the flowers, ending each day exhausted. One day she meets Bud, who helps her slow down, remember when she felt calm and happy in her chrysalis, and focus on her breath. It’s a great introduction to intentionality and mindfulness for kids. We have all found a few mindfulness strategies to help when emotions are getting elevated, and this reminder to breathe deeply and find a happy memory has been helping my kids also. We’ve started saying, “Breathe like Mari Posa. In….out….” which has helped them as well. And let’s not leave out that both Alvarez and Colón are masters of their respective crafts. It’s clear in this book as in all their other works.
I originally requested Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message by Chief Jake Swamp and illustrated by Erwin Printup, Jr for the Thanksgiving stack this year, but I’m so glad I saved it for this stack instead. The author’s note on the first page shares that the words are based on the Thanksgiving Address from the Native people known as the Haudenosaunee or Six Nations- Mohawk, Oneida, Cayuga, Onondaga, Seneca, and Tuscarora in upstate New York and Canada. The sharing of gratitude for our planet and all it provides resonates with me, and I am hopeful that my kids will learn to be grateful for our natural world. Reading this reminded me of witnessing their joy and amazement when we went hiking in the fall. They were thrilled to see huge and tiny leaves, a stream, huge logs to climb on, and acorns all around. The artistry in this book is so unique- the color gradients show a lush natural world that we find inspiring .
Like the Moon Loves the Sky by Hena Khan and illustrated by Saffa Khan is a heart-warming set of wishes from parents to their kids. Each pages shares a hope, preceded by the common Arabic phrase, “Inshalah”, which is similar to “ojalá” or “God willing”. The wishes are both lofty- “Inshallah you are safe, as all children should be” and grounded- “Inshallah you plant gardens filled with sweet fruits.” Each resonated with me as a wish I have for my children and the young people in my life, especially at the dawn of a new year. I was also reminded, once again, how much more similar we all are; we all want basically the same things for our young people. I am always renewed by that realization.
Annette LeBox and Stephanie Graegin’s Peace is an Offering both boldy and gently addresses managing to offer peace in times of tragedy. It addresses heads on topics like homelessness, addressing fears, and losing loved ones. The rhyme of the words is fun to read and helped my younger kid to be able to engage with an abstract concept like peace. The images are great- lots of different people represented and a muted but bright color palate that feels hopeful and true.
Breathe by Scott Magoon is one I picked up for my three year old. It’s a simple and fun introduction to mindfulness. The words connect to younger kids’ experiences- making friends, trying new things- and reminds them to breathe and be present in the moment, even when in the midst of adventure! She loves following the whale through its journey. With fewer words this can be a quick read or you can spend time finding all the shapes, colors, and details on each page!
I hope that you take some time to bring intention to the beginning of your new year. If you love any of these books and want to purchase any through the Bookshop links above, I’ll make a small commission and you’ll be supporting local bookstores! Thanks in advance!