Bellies to the Sky: A Bedtime Breathwork Book
illustrations by
What’s inside...
A beautifully written and illustrated book that teaches children the importance of breathwork and emotional regulation, garnering high praise from educators and reviewers for its effectiveness as a bedtime ritual and as an essential resource for parents, teachers, and counselors. The book uses animals from various environments to guide children in mindful breathing techniques to calm and quiet their minds, making it a valuable addition to any school curriculum and a perfect tool for a peaceful night's sleep.
Age
3-7
Length
56 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the different animals in the book breathe, and which one did you like best?
Why do you think taking deep breaths before bed can be helpful?
What new things did you learn about your own breathing?
How did you feel inside when we tried some of the breathwork exercises together?
Tip: Role play these questions
Practice the breathwork exercises together with your child before discussing the book to create a calming, connected experience.
Validate any feelings or thoughts your child expresses during the discussion, reinforcing that their observations are important.
Relate the book’s themes to your child's daily bedtime routine, asking how they might use what they've learned.
Encourage your child to imagine they are one of the animals from the book during the discussion, making it playful and engaging.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Mindfulness and Relaxation
Explanation: The book uses breathwork techniques to guide children through calming exercises before bed.
Real-World Application: Children learn to use breathing as a tool to calm down during moments of stress or before sleep.
Example Lesson: Connection to Nature
Explanation: The imagery and scenarios presented in the book often involve elements of nature, promoting a connection between the child's breathwork and the natural world.
Real-World Application: Children can practice mindfulness in settings such as parks or backyards, connecting the calming techniques learned with the soothing aspects of nature.
Example Lesson: Routine Building
Explanation: By incorporating breathwork at bedtime as shown in the book, children can develop healthy routines.
Real-World Application: Children can adopt consistent bedtime routines that include relaxation techniques, helping them wind down and prepare for sleep more effectively.
Example Lesson: Emotional Regulation
Explanation: The book teaches children how to manage their emotions through focused breathing exercises.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these techniques in emotionally charged situations, helping them gain control and respond more calmly.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: Through visualizing scenarios that blend breath with environmental elements, the book fosters creativity.
Real-World Application: Children can enhance their imaginative skills by envisioning peaceful and calming scenes during their breathwork exercises, boosting their creativity in other aspects of life.