Health

Help young children understand that it’s okay to establish personal boundaries and change their minds.

Physical and emotional awareness are key foundations of consent. We Check In with Each Other gives children a vocabulary to understand that they can change their minds at any time, develop and communicate personal boundaries, and build their social and emotional skills.

The second book in the We Say What’s Okay series, We Check In with Each Other follows Harrison as he checks in with himself and with his classmates throughout the day to see if they’re still having fun and feeling safe. Using the book as a read-aloud, educators and families can model the language Harrison’s teachers use to support children as they learn to listen to their body signals and respect the personal boundaries of others. The author, who hosts workshops and trainings on teaching consent for families and early childhood educators around the country, offers additional activities in the back of the book.

Digital content includes a song from Peaceful Schools with downloadable audio files and sheet music.

Reviews
“I’m so thankful for this book that teaches the concept of checking in; this is an important step for consent. Lydia has once again created a diverse, inclusive, and easy to understand children’s book that tackles an incredibly complex topic in a way that will make it tangible for children of all ages. I plan on using this book often with families, parents, and children to explore the topic of consent. Well done!”—Heather C. Thompson, MS, LPC, RPT, A Safe Place to Grow Counseling
 
“Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or teacher, We Check In with Each Other is a three-for-one when it comes to helping children learn foundational lessons in consent! Throughout his school day, Harrison checks in on his feelings, checks in on his peers’ interests, and accepts his peers’ choices, even when that means there’s a change in plans. This colorful book is foundational to some of the most important nuances that help kids develop healthy relationship skills they can use now and in the future.”—Sarah Casper 

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

Teach the building blocks of consent in a child-friendly and developmentally appropriate way.

Centered around a class of preschoolers, the We Say What’s Okay series helps teach young children the social and emotional skills they need to understand the complexities of consent. Each book covers a consent theme, such as how to recognize the physical sensations that emotions create, look for body language cues, ask for and listen to choices, and know that our bodies have value. With believable, everyday situations and diverse characters, children can see themselves and others reflected in each story—and develop a vocabulary to communicate consent and feelings. Every book in the series is accompanied by a song from Peaceful Schools with downloadable audio files and sheet music.

Guided Reading Level: H
Lexile Measure: AD520L 

Additional Information
36 pages | 10.00" x 10.00" | Hardcover

Deja helps young children recognize their emotions by listening to their bodies

Body awareness is a key foundation of consent. We Listen to Our Bodies gives children a vocabulary to understand and communicate their feelings, develop personal boundaries, and build their social and emotional skills.

Through body awareness and recognizing how emotions physically manifest, young children can listen to their bodies for clues about how they’re feeling. Their bodies might feel shaky when worried or like one big sigh when calm and relaxed. By recognizing that physical sensations are trying to communicate something, children can understand when they feel unsafe, calm, or in need of healthy touch.

We Listen to Our Bodies follows Deja and her preschool classmates as they learn to build emotional self-awareness by listening to the physical cues of their bodies. Using the book as a read-aloud, educators and families can model the language Deja’s teachers use to support children as they learn body awareness. The author, who hosts workshops and trainings on teaching consent for families and early childhood educators around the country, offers additional activities in the back of the book.

Digital content includes a song from Peaceful Schools with downloadable MP3 files and sheet music.

Reviews
“This picture book imparts notable lessons about body awareness.”—Publishers Weekly 

“Very highly recommended.”—Children’s Bookwatch

“We Listen to Our Bodies is the book parents have been begging for to help us articulate to our curious littles how to connect with their bodies and put words to what they are feeling. As the parent of both a child with extra needs and a neurotypical child, this book is perfect for both levels of understanding. With kind and gentle authorship and beautifully inclusive illustrations, Lydia and Isabel help parents and children see themselves within these pages. Whether you are a parent, an educator, or someone who recognizes how desperately our kids deserve to understand their bodies, their feelings, and their mental well-being, you won't regret adding this beautiful book to your collection!”—Brynn Burger, The Mama on the Rocks, national speaker, educational resource creator, and parenting coach 

“I absolutely love this beautifully inclusive, trauma-aware book that provides parents and caregivers with a great tool to support a child’s connection to their instincts, feelings, and the signals their body sends to help keep them safe. The characters and illustrations are thoughtfully crafted with representation of diverse identities, abilities, and families, making this a wonderful addition to every home. It’s a must-read if you want to raise a powerful, consent-conscious next generation!”—Melissa Pintor Carnagey, LBSW, founder of Sex Positive Families

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

Centered around a class of preschoolers, the We Say What’s Okay series helps teach young children the social and emotional skills they need to understand the complexities of consent. Each book covers a consent theme, such as how to recognize the physical sensations that emotions create, look for body language cues, ask for and listen to choices, and know that our bodies have value. With believable, everyday situations and diverse characters, children can see themselves and others reflected in each story—and develop a vocabulary to communicate consent and feelings. Every book in the series is accompanied by a song from Peaceful Schools with downloadable audio files and sheet music.

Guided Reading Level: H

Lexile Measure: AD490L

Additional Information
36 pages | 10.00" x 10.00" | Hardcover

Sometimes I feel angry, so I become the sea. I breathe in deep an ocean breath and breathe out peacefully. We may not be able to help the overwhelming feelings, but we can learn tools to help us regulate them. Practicing yoga can increase our ability to accept and mindfully manage our emotions. Yoga is known to have a positive physiological effect on practitioners of all ages and abilities.

When I Feel: Easy Yoga for Big Feelings offers effective yoga poses and breathing practices that help children embrace healthy ways of acknowledging their emotions. The rhythmic text and repetition engage young readers and support early literacy skills while the photographs layered with illustrations will show readers each pose in a playful way.

Reviews
“Fun, interactive, engaging and age-appropriate. Highly Recommended.” — CM: Canadian Review of Materials

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

This book is from co-creator of our Strong Nations Yoga Cards! 

Encourages social-emotional learning for mental health and physical well-being.

Additional Information
24 pages | 8.00" x 8.00" | Colour illustrations and photographs | Hardcover 

An essential guide to emotional well-being for children; tackling everyday issues to facilitate happier, healthier lives. Our minds are beautifully complicated and brilliant machines. For much of our lives, these machines run efficiently with minimal maintenance. However, just like our other organs, they do require some proper attention every now and then. Recognizing this at an early age can only help as children progress into adulthood. Happy, Healthy Minds is a guide designed to help children become more aware of their emotional needs and examines a range of topics that might give their minds difficulties, for example: - when parents don’t seem to understand us.

Reviews
"Happy, Healthy Minds is an engrossing and effective read for children aged 10-16 and a must have resource for home educators." -School Reading List

"Cheerful illustrations interspersed amongst sensible matter of fact text go really well together in this title, a guide to emotional well-being for children. Informative without being preachy." -School Libraries Group

"This is a great resource to help children learn how to have a happier and healthier life especially in the way they think. My daughters loved this book. It’s definitely one we’ll return to again and again." -Netgalley review

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 10+ 

Additional Information
176 pages | 7.51" x 9.99"

Wellness expert Mallika Chopra speaks to a younger audience in this new picture book about feeling emotions in your body through color.

Did you know that your body is absolutely amazing? It can do so many things at the same time, explore the world both inside and outside, and help you feel the feelings deep down inside. When you start to feel big feelings, it's helpful to use colors, words, and breath to explore your body and to make yourself calmer and more at peace.

In wellness expert Mallika Chopra's debut picture book, she helps children imagine a rainbow of colors radiating from their body and combines this color connection with breathing exercises to help them relieve stress, tension, fears, and sadness and to feel happier and more at peace. My Body Is a Rainbow is sure to be a go-to resource for parents, caregivers, and educators to help preschool-aged children feel safe, creative, strong, loved, unique, wise, and perfect just the way they are.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Additional Information
32 pages | 9.30" x 9.45" | Hardcover

NOW REVISED! This edition features updated Rocky Cree translations and an expanded glossary, augmented with new maps to give a more detailed look at Pīsim’s journey. These enhancements make this book a great tool for teachers and a great addition to any library.

Out of an important archaeological discovery came this unique story about a week in the life of Pīsim, a young Cree woman, who lived in the mid 1600s. In the story, created by renowned storyteller William Dumas, Pīsim begins to recognize her miskanaw – the path for her life – and to develop her gifts for fulfilling that path. The story is brought to life by the rich imagery of Mi’kmaw artist Leonard Paul, and is accompanied by sidebars on Cree language and culture, archaeology and history, maps, songs, and more.

Reviews
"In imagining the life of a young Cree woman, this volume provides a wonderful evocation of the wisdom and language of Cree elders that seamlessly incorporates archaeology, ethnology, and oral traditions." — Stephen Loring, Arctic Studies Center, Smithsonian Institute, Washington DC

"This rich story ... brings alive the history and language of Asiniskow Ithiniwak in Manitowapow while illustrating the cultural breadth of a dynamic community. This book is a joy to read, teach, and share with my daughter." — Niigaanwewidam James Sinclair, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Native Studies University of Manitoba

"The brilliant teamwork between archaeologists, the Cree, and an accomplished storyteller gives us... a beautifully written and illustrated journey into a centuries-old world... the books promises to be a classic of Canadian history." — Brian Fagan, Emeritus Professor of Anthropology, University of California, Santa Barbara, and author of The First North Americans

Educator & Series Information
Pīsim Finds Her Miskanaw is book one in The Six Seasons of the Asiniskow Īthiniwak series about the Asiniskow Īthiniwak (Rocky Cree) of Northern Manitoba. Corresponding to the six seasons of sīkwan (spring), nīpin (summer), takwakin (fall), mikiskow (freeze-up), pipon (winter), and mithoskamin (break-up), the books explore the language, culture, knowledge, territory, and history of the 17th century Rocky Cree people through story and images. The groundbreaking series centres Indigenous ways of knowing and includes insights from a wide range of disciplines – cross-cultural education, history, archaeology, anthropology, linguistics, literature, oral culture and storytelling, experiential and community-based learning, and art.

Recommended for ages 9 to 12.

Reading Level: Lexile® Framework for Reading: 940L

Contains some Cree language.

Additional Information
60 pages | 10.00" x 12.00" | Revised | Hardcover 

Antibiotics, bandages, cough syrup, ointment, pills…modern medicine has so much to offer when we become ill. But is it actually modern?

When Siha Tooskin—Paul Wahasaypa—finds himself not feeling at all well he learns that there are answers for him from the healing practices of his own people and from Western medicine. Pay a hospital visit to Paul as he learns more about where “modern medicine” really comes from and how we can all benefit from Indigenous and Western healers as Paul seeks the best medicine for his own wellness.

The Siha Tooskin Knows series uses vivid narratives and dazzling illustrations in contemporary settings to share stories about an 11-year-old Nakota boy.

Educator & Series Information
The Siha Tooskin Knows series uses vivid narratives and dazzling illustrations in contemporary settings to share stories about an 11-year-old Nakota boy. Explore Nakota culture and traditions alongside Paul Wahasaypa and his community in this eight-book series.

Key Features:

• A coming-of-age story about a Nakota boy learning about his identity and developing a sense of cultural responsibility in a contemporary, urban setting. Also touches on issues of environmental ecology and bullying.
• Charlene Bearhead and Wilson Bearhead are both well-respected and accomplished educators and storytellers.
• A part of the Siha Tooskin Knows series with teachings that show an Indigenous community and family in a positive light.
• Nakota lessons aim for universality, informing both Indigenous and non-Indigenous readers.
• This book illustrates how traditional teachings can play a vital role in contemporary life.
• Dynamic illustrations by Nakota artist Chloe Bluebird Mustooch bring this story to life.

Recommended for ages 9 to 11.  Early Chapter Books.

Recommended in the Canadian Indigenous Books for Schools 2020/2021 resource list for grades 3-5 in the areas of English, Social Studies, Science, and Physical and Health Education.

Includes a glossary of Nakota terminology woven throughout the story.  Words are written phonetically, as Nakota is not a written language.

Themes/Subjects/Keywords: Nakota, Traditional Healing Practices, Modern Medicine, Healing, Health, Plant Medicines, Mind and Body, Traditional Ecological Knowledge.

Additional Information
24 pages | 5.50" x 8.00"

What does it mean to be angry? Anger may not make us feel good, but it's an emotion everybody has! Children will learn how to identify when they are angry and ways to manage their feelings. Large, vivid photos help illustrate what anger looks like. A mindfulness activity will give kids an opportunity to explore their feelings.

Reviews
"Young children need to learn how to understand and manage their emotions. This series describes emotions, how to identify them, and examples of what might cause them. Readers are also encouraged to recognize how their senses might influence their mood; smelling flowers might make them happy, but hearing the word “no” might make them grumpy. There are suggestions for handling emotions, such as listening to music or journaling. Directions for a mindfulness activity like deep breathing or making a gratitude list are included at the end of each book. The simple prose uses age-appropriate examples, and photos of children from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds support each section. Further reading and websites are featured in the back matter. VERDICT A useful purchase for guidance lessons or general classroom discussions on handling emotions." — Suzanne Costner, Fairview Elementary, Maryville, TN, School Library Journal

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 5 to 8.

This book is part of the Name Your Emotions series.

Additional Information
24 pages | 8.00" x 8.00" | Paperback

What does it mean to be anxious? It's an emotion everyone has. Children will learn how to recognize when they are feeling anxious and examples of good ways to manage their emotion. A mindfulness activity will give kids the opportunity to practice managing their feelings.

Reviews
"Young children need to learn how to understand and manage their emotions. This series describes emotions, how to identify them, and examples of what might cause them. Readers are also encouraged to recognize how their senses might influence their mood; smelling flowers might make them happy, but hearing the word “no” might make them grumpy. There are suggestions for handling emotions, such as listening to music or journaling. Directions for a mindfulness activity like deep breathing or making a gratitude list are included at the end of each book. The simple prose uses age-appropriate examples, and photos of children from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds support each section. Further reading and websites are featured in the back matter. VERDICT A useful purchase for guidance lessons or general classroom discussions on handling emotions." — Suzanne Costner, Fairview Elementary, Maryville, TN, School Library Journal

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 5 to 8.

This book is part of the Name Your Emotions series.

Additional Information
24 pages | 8.00" x 8.00" | Paperback

What does it mean to be embarrassed? Learn what embarrassment feels like and what may trigger this emotion. Children will explore different ways to deal with their feelings and turn bad feelings into good ones. A mindfulness activity will give kids the chance to practice managing their emotion.

Reviews
"Young children need to learn how to understand and manage their emotions. This series describes emotions, how to identify them, and examples of what might cause them. Readers are also encouraged to recognize how their senses might influence their mood; smelling flowers might make them happy, but hearing the word “no” might make them grumpy. There are suggestions for handling emotions, such as listening to music or journaling. Directions for a mindfulness activity like deep breathing or making a gratitude list are included at the end of each book. The simple prose uses age-appropriate examples, and photos of children from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds support each section. Further reading and websites are featured in the back matter. VERDICT A useful purchase for guidance lessons or general classroom discussions on handling emotions.— Suzanne Costner, Fairview Elementary, Maryville, TN, School Library Journal

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 5 to 8.

This book is part of the Name Your Emotions series.

Additional Information
24 pages | 8.00" x 8.00" | Paperback

What does it mean to be grumpy? Everyone feels grumpy sometimes. It's how you handle it that matters. Children will learn how to recognize their emotions and read examples of how to deal with them. A mindfulness activity will provide practice in managing feelings.

Reviews
"Young children need to learn how to understand and manage their emotions. This series describes emotions, how to identify them, and examples of what might cause them. Readers are also encouraged to recognize how their senses might influence their mood; smelling flowers might make them happy, but hearing the word “no” might make them grumpy. There are suggestions for handling emotions, such as listening to music or journaling. Directions for a mindfulness activity like deep breathing or making a gratitude list are included at the end of each book. The simple prose uses age-appropriate examples, and photos of children from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds support each section. Further reading and websites are featured in the back matter. VERDICT A useful purchase for guidance lessons or general classroom discussions on handling emotions." — Suzanne Costner, Fairview Elementary, Maryville, TN, School Library Journal

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 5 to 8.

This book is part of the Name Your Emotions series.

Additional Information
24 pages | 8.00" x 8.00" | Paperback

What does it mean to be happy? Children will learn what happiness feels like, how their senses can affect their emotions, and how to name and manage their feelings. Full-color, diverse photos help illustrate what happiness looks like. A mindfulness activity gives kids the opportunity to explore their feelings.

Reviews
"Young children need to learn how to understand and manage their emotions. This series describes emotions, how to identify them, and examples of what might cause them. Readers are also encouraged to recognize how their senses might influence their mood; smelling flowers might make them happy, but hearing the word “no” might make them grumpy. There are suggestions for handling emotions, such as listening to music or journaling. Directions for a mindfulness activity like deep breathing or making a gratitude list are included at the end of each book. The simple prose uses age-appropriate examples, and photos of children from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds support each section. Further reading and websites are featured in the back matter. VERDICT A useful purchase for guidance lessons or general classroom discussions on handling emotions." — Suzanne Costner, Fairview Elementary, Maryville, TN, School Library Journal

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 5 to 8.

This book is part of the Name Your Emotions series.

Additional Information
24 pages | 8.00" x 8.00" | Paperback

What does it mean to be sad? It's normal for people to feel down sometimes. Learn what it feels like, what causes it, and how to turn sad feelings into happy ones. Big, diverse photos illustrate what sadness looks like. A mindfulness activity will give children the chance to practice managing their emotions.

Reviews
"Young children need to learn how to understand and manage their emotions. This series describes emotions, how to identify them, and examples of what might cause them. Readers are also encouraged to recognize how their senses might influence their mood; smelling flowers might make them happy, but hearing the word “no” might make them grumpy. There are suggestions for handling emotions, such as listening to music or journaling. Directions for a mindfulness activity like deep breathing or making a gratitude list are included at the end of each book. The simple prose uses age-appropriate examples, and photos of children from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds support each section. Further reading and websites are featured in the back matter. VERDICT A useful purchase for guidance lessons or general classroom discussions on handling emotions." — Suzanne Costner, Fairview Elementary, Maryville, TN, School Library Journal

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 5 to 8.

This book is part of the Name Your Emotions series.

Additional Information
24 pages | 8.00" x 8.00" | Paperback

What does it mean to feel surprised? Learn how surprise makes your body feel, how your senses spark emotion, and how to handle it. Large, stunning photos help illustrate what surprise looks like. A mindfulness activity gives kids the chance to practice managing their feelings.

Reviews
"Young children need to learn how to understand and manage their emotions. This series describes emotions, how to identify them, and examples of what might cause them. Readers are also encouraged to recognize how their senses might influence their mood; smelling flowers might make them happy, but hearing the word “no” might make them grumpy. There are suggestions for handling emotions, such as listening to music or journaling. Directions for a mindfulness activity like deep breathing or making a gratitude list are included at the end of each book. The simple prose uses age-appropriate examples, and photos of children from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds support each section. Further reading and websites are featured in the back matter. VERDICT A useful purchase for guidance lessons or general classroom discussions on handling emotions." — Suzanne Costner, Fairview Elementary, Maryville, TN, School Library Journal

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 5 to 8.

This book is part of the Name Your Emotions series.

Additional Information
24 pages | 8.00" x 8.00" | Paperback

What does it mean to feel worried? Everyone feels worried sometimes. Learn how to recognize, name, and manage your emotions. Stunning photos illustrate what being worried looks like. A mindfulness activity will help children learn how to turn worried feelings into good ones!

Reviews
"Young children need to learn how to understand and manage their emotions. This series describes emotions, how to identify them, and examples of what might cause them. Readers are also encouraged to recognize how their senses might influence their mood; smelling flowers might make them happy, but hearing the word “no” might make them grumpy. There are suggestions for handling emotions, such as listening to music or journaling. Directions for a mindfulness activity like deep breathing or making a gratitude list are included at the end of each book. The simple prose uses age-appropriate examples, and photos of children from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds support each section. Further reading and websites are featured in the back matter. VERDICT A useful purchase for guidance lessons or general classroom discussions on handling emotions." — Suzanne Costner, Fairview Elementary, Maryville, TN, School Library Journal

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 5 to 8.

This book is part of the Name Your Emotions series.

Additional Information
24 pages | 8.00" x 8.00" | Paperback