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  • My Thoughts Are Clouds: Poems for Mindfulness

My Thoughts Are Clouds: Poems for Mindfulness

Author
Illustrator
Isabel Roxas
Publication Date
February 09, 2021
Genre / Grade Band
Fiction /  2nd − 3rd
Language
English
My Thoughts Are Clouds: Poems for Mindfulness

Description
A poetry collection that both illustrates what mindfulness is and encourages young, growing minds to be present, from poet and educator Georgia Heard, with art by Isabel Roxas. Poets have long observed the world in a mindful way. They point out beauty we might have missed, draw our attention to our inner thoughts, and call us to see our society in new ways. But as daily life become more and more chaotic, children grow distracted. According to the CDC, 9.4% of children have ADHD and 7% have anxiety/depression. And these numbers continue to climb. As treatment doctors recommend healthy eating, physical activity, plenty of sleep, and mindfulness techniques. Georgia Heard is a poet and educator--and she has long had her own meditation practice. In My Thoughts Are Clouds, she uses poetry to demonstrate what mindfulness is and gives kids--and their parents and teachers--accessible ways to learn mindfulness tools.
Publication date
February 09, 2021
Genre
Fiction
ISBN-13
9781250244680
Publisher
Roaring Brook Press
BISAC categories
JUV039050 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Emotions & Feelings
JUV039220 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Values & Virtues
JUV070000 - Juvenile Fiction | Poetry (see also Stories in Verse)
Library of Congress categories
American poetry
Children's poetry, American
Mindfulness (Psychology)

School Library Journal

Gr 2-6--This short collection of poems aims to teach children how to slow down and be aware of their thoughts and environment. The text uses meditation and affirmation techniques to introduce the concept of mindfulness. Simple language explains actions that readers can follow. However, the format and layout of some poems may be difficult to digest for children who experience reading challenges. The variation of fonts within the same poem and the black-on-blue backgrounds may also present reading difficulties. The illustrations are rendered in shades of blue and white, echoing the title and cover imagery of looking up at the sky, but do little to enhance the feeling or meaning of the poems. This volume could serve as a good read-aloud option for a classroom or library to teach guided mindfulness or meditation exercises. VERDICT For libraries that have an established mindfulness initiative.--Elizabeth Speer, Weatherford Coll., TX

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
Georgia Heard
GEORGIA HEARD is the author of 18 books, including The Woman in this Poem: Women's Voices in Poetry (Plumleaf Press). Her poems have been published in numerous anthologies, magazines, and journals. She travels the world giving workshops and keynotes on writing poetry. Georgia has been a poet since childhood, and believes in the power of poetry to help restore our sense of well-being and find balance in our lives. She lives with her family and dog in South Florida.

REBECCA KAI DOTLICH is a word collector, poet, and picture book author. Her poetry has appeared in anthologies, periodicals, and magazines, and she has authored dozens of children's books, including the inspirational The Knowing Book, which encourages young readers to embrace adventure and curiosity. Rebecca gives poetry workshops to writers, teachers, and students across the country. She lives in the Midwest with her husband and her four young grandchildren live nearby.
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