Breathe Like a Bear: First Day of School Worries: A Story with a Calming Mantra and Mindful Prompts

PreS-Gr 2–This newest entry in the “Mindfulness Moments for Kids” series finds a young bear both excited and anxious for her first day of school. As she makes her way there, she encounters various forest animals who help her talk through her feelings, including an owl who offers a breathing exercise and a mantra to help “change how you feel.” Along the way, the animals notice the ways in which they are unique and remind one another to celebrate their differences. By the time they arrive at school (only to find that Owl is their teacher), Bear feels ready to face the day. Throughout the story, young readers are guided to repeat the breathing exercise and mantra—which originates from one of Willey’s songs. Reflection questions are also included on almost every spread, inviting readers to think about their feelings, habits, and identity. While the story doesn’t offer anything especially new to a crowded field of books addressing the first day of school, fans of the series or those looking for offerings on mindfulness or coping with worry will likely be satisfied. Betts’s digital illustrations are whimsical and rendered in a soft, pastel rainbow palette.