Mum pens well-being new book for children
Nursery teacher’s novel deals with mindfulness in nature
An early-years teacher has penned a new children’s book based around the idea of being mindful in nature.
Cumnock-based Hannah Willow, 32, was able to publish her book thanks to a successful crowd funding appeal.
She hopes ‘Just Be,’ released last Thursday, can be every bit as informative to grown-ups as well as to children.
Hannah, who works as a peripatetic early-years teacher, but is currently working at Mauchlinebased nursery Burns Bairns, said: “This is a story I wrote, illustrated and then managed to self-publish through a successful crowd funding campaign. When everything around us feels chaotic and busy, this accessible mindfulness story shows children and their grown-ups how to find some stillness through slowing down and connecting with nature.
“The little girl in the story takes us on a journey of discovery by simply paying attention with her senses; watching shapes in the clouds, listening to the sound of a bee, tasting the freshness of an apple picked straight from the tree.
“This story introduces the basic principles of mindfulness and meditation, both key practices employed in schools for children’s health and wellbeing.”
Given that Mental Health Awareness Week was last week, the book’s launch does have added resonance.
Mum-of-three Hannah said: “The theme for Mental Health Awareness Week was nature and it felt like a perfect prelude to the story’s release. I truly hope it resonates and uplifts!”
Hannah reckons the importance of children being at one with nature cannot be underestimated.
She said: “As children explore and observe nature, they become more aware of, and empathetic to, the plants and animals who share the natural world. This larger awareness shifts focus from an ‘I’ mentality to a broader understanding of ‘we’ as it relates to sharing the land and resources.
“When children understand that monarch caterpillars rely on milkweed for food, they are less likely to pick the flowers, opting to show consideration for the caterpillar’s needs instead.
“Similarly, when children spend time observing spider webs, they are more likely to control their movement through bushes or grass so as not to disrupt another creature’s home. By making habits like these a routine, children become more aware of physical sensations, notice how their bodies respond to emotions, and develop greater compassion towards others.”
To order the book, go to www. willowtreewishes.com
Children become more aware of physical sensations and develop greater compassion towards others.