HOW DO YOU FEEL? WHAT DO YOU DO?
A CHILDREN’S GUIDE TO MINDFULNESS
Teaming up with a team of four Cal Poly Psychology students for their Senior Project, I illustrated and co-wrote a children’s book focused on introducing mindfulness techniques to kids aged 2 to 5. Backed by research, we aimed to provide an accessible way for children to explore the world of mindfulness and meditation from a young age.
VIVID COLORS AND A ECLECTIC JUNGLE SCENES
These elements were used to create a fun and engaging world for children to explore while following along on the character’s journey toward mindfulness.
RHYMING PHRASES AND EASY-TO-FOLLOW GUIDED TECHNIQUES
These additions make this story not only accessible for children ages 2-5, but fun and exciting to read along to. Children can imitate what the different animals do on each page are demonstrating while learning new mindfulness techniques.
A LOOK AT THE PROCESS
The techniques included on each spread are based on research and studies, which was all covered in the thesis paper written by the Psychology team I worked with.
The colors are intentional: bright and playful with an emphasis on nature, and the text is fluid, so the child’s eyes move around the page whether they’re at a reading age or not. The animals were all strategically chosen as well, so the child can picture taking in a big breath like a frog fills its belly, or rolling up tight into a ball like a roll poly.