The Joy of Mindfulness with Dorie the Dog is a heartwarming picture book that helps young children slow down, breathe, and notice the beauty in the world around them.
Written and illustrated by Katie O'Brien, M.Ed., an experienced art teacher, artist and mindfulness advocate, this story blends social-emotional learning (SEL), gratitude, and creativity into one soothing colorful read.
- Perfect for classrooms, bedtime, or counseling sessions-kids will learn:
-Simple breathing and self-regulation techniques
-How to find peace and gratitude in nature and color
- Positive affirmations that boost confidence and joy
- A mindful coloring section that nurtures calm focus
Even if your child struggles with big emotions or busy thoughts, Dorie's mindful walks teach that peace is always within reach.
Therapist Approved!
"Dorie brings such serenity and warmth to the pages, gently guiding children to slow down, notice the world around them, and connect to the present moment. This beautifully written and illustrated story is both calming and inspiring-a lovely introduction to mindfulness for children. The daily affirmations are wonderful reminders and can serve as building blocks for internalizing gratitude and peace, cultivating these qualities early on"
Rose Markotic, LMFT
Review :
"The Joy of Mindfulness with Dorie the Dog" inspired me with its powerful message.Young children learn through examples and stories that capture their imagination, and that's what your book conveys. Learning positive affirmations at an early age helps build a child's self-worth and confidence. Reminding kids to pause and feel the blessings of joy and gratitude embodies the heartfelt message in your storytelling and illustrations.In today's world, children can truly benefit from your book, which not only teaches them mindfulness and ways for handling their emotions but also offers ways to calm them through deep breathing and art.Dorie is so relatable, and the book's coloring sections help the child relate to Dorie and the powerful message even more, even taking moments to pause, breathe, and gently guide the child back to a state of calmness when emotions feel too big. That's what Dorie's message is all about.Katie, I'm so proud of you and your special gifts, which you're sharing through this story and its illustrations of Dorie.Marla Brucker, DCH, R.HA
"As a mother and family therapist, I know how important it is for children to have accessible tools to help them regulate emotions and boost self confidence. I wholeheartedly endorse The Joy of Mindfulness with Dorie the Dog which provides experiential learning through a beautiful story and fun way to practice breath awareness and affirmations. The vivid illustrations and simple prompts make this a valuable tool for parents, educators and teachers. It will remain on my shelf!" -- Carol S. Dawidowicz, LMFT
"As human beings, our brains can often go in a thousand different directions, while we try to solve problems in an increasingly complex world. What the author & artist of this book, Katie O'Brien, has done so powerfully and effectively is view the world through a dog's perspective to help each of us gain a deeper appreciation for those small, quiet moments in life that we often pass by. The demographic for this book may be listed as "kids ages 4 to 8", and yes it makes for a perfect children's book, but as a 37 year old adult man, I can state without hyperbole that this touched me on a profound level. I've no shame in admitting I became slightly misty-eyed by the end, simply because of how the book reminded me to calm my racing thoughts of the past or future, and be grateful for all that is right in front of me in the present. And that is saying nothing of the vibrant artwork, which is beautifully rendered. A highly recommended read for all ages."
Matthew Rocca
