A companion picture book to Breathe Like a Bear that helps kids feel calm and ready to meet new classmates! Bear can't wait to go to her first day of school. But she and a few of her friends are also feeling a little anxious. Luckily, Owl has the perfect words for them all to say to calm the jitters and help them recognize the similarities we share under the trappings of our uniqueness.  Introducing a mantra for first-day—and any-day—worries, Breathe Like a Bear: First-Day-of-School Worries uses an easy-to-follow breathing exercise, mindful prompts, and a soothing mantra that will help kids navigate their anxiety long after the final page. This prescriptive and teachable picture book is an invaluable tool for every child's early social-emotional education. PreS-Gr 2—This newest entry in the "Mindfulness Moments for Kids" series finds a young bear both excited and anxious for her first day of school. As she makes her way there, she encounters various forest animals who help her talk through her feelings, including an owl who offers a breathing exercise and a mantra to help "change how you feel." Along the way, the animals notice the ways in which they are unique and remind one another to celebrate their differences. By the time they arrive at school (only to find that Owl is their teacher), Bear feels ready to face the day. Throughout the story, young readers are guided to repeat the breathing exercise and mantra—which originates from one of Willey's songs. Reflection questions are also included on almost every spread, inviting readers to think about their feelings, habits, and identity. While the story doesn't offer anything especially new to a crowded field of books addressing the first day of school, fans of the series or those looking for offerings on mindfulness or coping with worry will likely be satisfied. Betts's digital illustrations are whimsical and rendered in a soft, pastel rainbow palette. VERDICT Best suited for purchase where the author or this series is popular or where titles on mindfulness are needed.—Lauren Strohecker “A practical approach to anchoring oneself in the face of uncertainty.” — Kirkus Reviews "Betts’s digital illustrations are whimsical and rendered in a soft, pastel rainbow palette." — School Library Journal Kira Willey is an award-winning songwriter, a kids' yoga expert, and the creator of Rockin' Yoga school programs. She has released three nationally acclaimed albums of children's yoga songs that blend upbeat, danceable music with get-up-and-move yoga inspiration. Her fourth release, Mindful Moments for Kids, is the inspiration for Breathe Like a Bear. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and three children. Anni Betts is a professional illustrator who creates vibrant, cheerful drawings for books, magazines, advertisements, greeting cards, and more. Originally from Illinois, she now lives in Durham, England, with her archaeologist husband, Kamal, new son, Emmett, and adorable dog, Logan. When not illustrating, she can be found exploring the historic sights and natural beauty of the United Kingdom and Europe, baking sweets, going for long walks, and sewing colorful clothes to wear.