I Am Love: A Book of Compassion

"In the latest I Am… series installment by yoga teacher Verde and illustrator Reynolds, a child describes how to share love with those struggling with hard emotions.

A thin, light-brown–skinned kid with blue and pink hair spots another child “going through a storm / of hurt and unfairness, of anger and sadness”—how should they respond? With hands on their heart, the candy-haired protagonist “find[s] the answer: I have compassion… / I am love.” The gentle narrative follows a simple formula in which different ways of attending to others are named along with a simple statement of what love can be: “Love is comfort”; “Love is effort”; “Love is tiny gestures.” Emphasizing Verde’s common themes of mindfulness and show more emotional presence, the main character demonstrates expressions of love ranging from keeping their own “mind and body safe and healthy” to careful listening to others. Supporting characters in this jewel-toned meditation include a white kid with long blond hair, a black child with a curly purple afropuff, and a tan-skinned youth with short black hair and a colorful taqiyah. To elaborate on the benefits of “opening and expanding” the heart (both literally and emotionally), Verde provides extensive backmatter, including yoga poses and a heart meditation. These addenda enrich the narrative and provide useful context for the relationship skills outlined in the text.

Practical and empowering for young ones learning how to emotionally attend to themselves and others. (Picture book. 5-11)" www.kirkusreviews.com show less

This book talks about what is love. Love is caring and showing compassion for others. The character in the book help show love to others who need love. This book teaches children to show compassion for others. This book is great for ages 3-8 years old.

Includes heart meditation and yoga poses.

Closing pages include “Heart-Opening Yoga Poses” and “Heart Meditation”. And author’s note.

I put my hands on my heart and listen. And that is where I find the answer. I have compassion. I act with tenderness. I Am LOVE!!!

Ik ben liefde. Tekst: Susan Verde. Illustraties: Peter H. Reynolds.

Sinds ik Ik ben yoga las ben ik fan van Verde en Reynolds. Samen maken zij prachtige, kleine, intieme kunstwerkjes van boeken die je hart en ziel instant veroveren met hun vrolijke tekeningen, poëtische teksten en hartverwarmende boodschap.

In dit boekje leren kinderen (én volwassenen) hoe liefde, in al zijn vormen, het licht bij je naar binnen kan brengen als je boos, bang of verdrietig bent. Liefde brengt letterlijk en figuurlijk kleur.

Als extraatje staan achterin het boek nog enkele hartopenende yogaoefeningen én een hartmeditatie. Schenk dit boekje aan iemand die een belangrijk plaatsje heeft in je hart. Waarom niet aan jezelf?