M is for Mindful, by Robin L. Flanigan

Barbara’s Book Review

Every now and then, a very special book crosses my desk. M is for Mindful is one such extraordinary book. With accolades by Arun Gandhi (grandson of Mahatma Gandhi), author Maggie Smith, author and autism spokesperson Temple Grandin, PhD, and many other creatives and educators, this book deserves an important slot on every child’s and adult’s shelf, and in every classroom.

This is a book to be read slowly, meditatively, so that one can think deeply about what’s written and embrace the beautiful illustrations that embellish the positive messages found on each page. This is an ABC book that teaches us all to slow down, look around, love one another and respect all that is.

I highly recommend this book for children, ages 4 and up, and adults of all ages.

Educator Notes

This book may be useful for…

teaching mindfulness
a reminder to slow down and appreciate beauty (children and adults)
rhyming
discussion of text-to-illustration choice
inspiring deep conversation (children and adults)
teaching kindness and respect
discussion of reading tempo and how sometimes we need to read mindfully in order to digest what the words mean to the reader

Follow our Creativity Sparks Lesson Plans Page for Mindful Lessons, created by Barbara, that follow this wonderful book!

About the Author

Robin L. Flanigan is a national award-winning journalist and author. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in language and literature from St. Mary’s College of Maryland, she was a newsroom beat reporter for eleven years before becoming a freelance writer for magazines, newspapers, and marketing materials. Her essays have been published in various literary magazines and anthologies. A collector of inspirational quotes, Robin experienced some of her most mindful moments at the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, where she saw the curvature of the earth at sunrise.

Visit Robin’s author website at: www.thekineticpen.com

Visit the M is for Mindful website at: www.mindfulkidsthrive.co m

About the Illustrator

Heather S. Jones is a professor of fine arts at Genesee Community College in Upstate New York. Her education includes a BFA from Alfred University, where she concentrated in K-12 art education, and an MFA from Rochester Institute of Technology. An avid explorer of innovation, she recently received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities. Since 2008, Heather has worked as an illustrator in educational publishing. As a professional artist and the owner of GlassFeather Studio, she creates original paintings, sculptures, and illustrations. Her artwork is inspired by themes of nature, sustainability, and the mindful connections that weave through life.

Visit Heather’s website at: www.glassfeatherstudio.com

How to Purchase

M is for Mindful (ISBN 978-1-7334101-0-6) may be purchased through Amazon:

You can visit www.mindfulkidsthrive.com for additional purchasing information.