Breathe Like a Bear: First Day of School Worries A Story with a Calming Mantra and Mindful Prompts

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.

Kira Willey is an award-winning songwriter, kids' yoga expert, and 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. Follow her on social media at @kirawilley.

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.