It’s been a heck of a year (or two) for pretty much everyone, and that’s been reflected in the publishing world as well.
There is a bunch of books on mindfulness, hope, having empathy for others, and peace in general.
It’s not just for kids: we could all use a little more of that every day!
My Thoughts Are Clouds: Poems for Mindfulness
by Georgia Heard, illustrated by Isabel Roxas
Roaring Brook Press
For Every Little Thing: Poems and Prayers to Celebrate the Day
Edited by June Cotner, Nancy Tupper Ling; illustrated by Helen Cann
Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
Arranged from waking up to falling asleep, this poetry anthology gathers classic selections, modern prayers, and new poems from multiple cultures and faiths to celebrate the day and its delights.. — Anastasia Suen
Beautiful Day!: Petite Poems for All Seasons
by Rodoula Pappa, illustrated by Seng Soun Ratanavanh
Harry N Abrams
Flight of the Puffin
by Ann Braden
Nancy Paulsen Books
I could see this making a great classroom read-aloud, with kids making their own inspiring postcards to pass out in their communities, or as Braden herself has done, to mail to communities in need or impacted by hate crimes. — Katy K. at alibrarymama
Hope Springs
by Jaime Berry
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Cece Rios and the Desert of Souls
by Kaela Rivera
HarperCollins
Cece’s innate goodness is what lets her succeed, and her found family of not just Coyote but other criaturas as well is utterly charming. That being said, she’s not at all sappily good; she’s scared, determined, and fiercely using every big of agency at her control. — Charlotte at Charlotte’s Library
Every Little Kindness
by Marta Bartolj
Chronicle Books
Peace
by Miranda and Paul Baptiste; illustrated by Estelí Meza
NorthSouth
Thankful
by Elaine Vickers, illustrated by Samantha Cotterill
Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books
We Move Together
by Kelly Fritsch and Anne McGuire, illustrated by Eduardo Trejos
AK Press
We Wear Masks
by Marla Lesage
Orca Books
Three Lines in a Circle: The Exciting Life of the Peace Symbol
by Michael G. Long, illustrated by Carlos Vélez
Westminster John Knox Press & Flyaway Books
This simple story with friendly, diverse illustrations is a great introduction to the history of the peace symbol to ages K and up. – Susan Dobrot at Susan’s Reviews