Gabi Garcia

The writer is right on with this book. Teaching kids that their total self-worth is not tied to their accomplishments is difficult. We can feel good about ourselves when we find a unique rock or a stray kitty that needs to be rescued. The book teaches kids just because there is one imperfect thing that happened doesn’t mean the child is imperfect. I’ve been a foster parent. I’m going to recommend this book to other foster parents.

Esperanza finds a heart shaped rock and sees this as a reminder to be kind and spread love. She goes on to spread kindness and love to everyone she encounters. When she messes up at the play, she does not pay herself the same respect. I haven't read a book quite like this one. I love the message and meaning behind the book. There are many books that talk about being kind to others, but not many that talk about being kind to yourself. Often times in life we are the hardest on ourselves and it show more is important remember that we too deserve kindness and compassions because just like everyone else we are not perfect, and we will make mistakes. show less

Sometimes you don't feel brave, confident or strong. Sometimes conflicting messages feel like they're taking you apart in different directions. At those times, it helps to have affirmations to reinforce who you are and what you can do, and provide motivation for the hard times. A simple, accessible work that introduces mindfulness and can inspire kids to create their own affirmations.

"We talk to kids a lot about how to be friends to others, but not much about how to be friends to themselves. Yet self-acceptance and positive self-talk help them build emotional resilience, happiness and well-being.

When Esperanza finds a heart shaped rock, she sees it as a reminder to spread kindness and love in the world. But when the school play doesn’t go the way she’d hoped, will she remember to show it to herself?

Listening with my heart reminds us of the importance of being friends show more to ourselves. It also touches on the universal themes of friendship, empathy and kindness. Includes mindfulness and self-compassion activities.

A wonderful addition to any home or school library! Free resources to accompany this book can be found at http://bit.ly/gabigarciabooksheart.

(Available in Spanish as: Escuchando con mi Corazón.)

4-8 Years." Amazon.com show less