A World of Pausabilities: An Exercise in Mindfulness

by Frank J. Sileo PhD, Jennifer Zivoin (Illustrator)

Overview

Gold medal, Mom’s Choice Awards. Silver medal, 2017 Independent Publisher Book Awards

Following a neighborhood on a summer day, readers will learn how to apply mindfulness to simple, everyday moments, and how days are filled with endless possibilities to take a pause.

In our increasingly hectic world, even children are often inundated with responsibilities and activities, and end up feeling overwhelmed and stressed. Mindfulness helps focus our attention on the present—without judgment, and without worrying about the past or future. It can help us to enjoy the moments we might normally miss, as well as cope when emotions are hard to handle. We just need to take a pause!

Everyone has the capacity to be mindful, including (especially!) children. A World of Pausabilities is a gentle reminder to stop, take a break, and notice details even as we go about our busy days. Sometimes the simplest moments are the most important ones—if we don’t let them pass us by!

Includes a Note to Parents and Caregivers that further discusses mindfulness and ways to introduce pauses into your child's life.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781433823237
Publisher:	American Psychological Association
Publication date:	02/13/2017
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	659,529
Product dimensions:	8.10(w) x 10.10(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Frank J. Sileo, PhD, is a New Jersey licensed psychologist and the founder and executive director of The Center for Psychological Enhancement in Ridgewood, New Jersey. He received his doctorate from Fordham University in New York City. Since 2010, he has been consistently recognized as one of New Jersey’s top kids’ doctors. He is the author of seven other children’s books, including Sally Sore Loser: A Story about Winning and Losing, Don’t Put Yourself Down in Circus Town: A Story about Self-Confidence, A World of Pausabilities: An Exercise in Mindfulness and Did You Hear? A Story about Gossip. His books have received gold medals from the prestigious Mom’s Choice Awards and have won silver medals from the Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards and the Independent Publisher Book Awards. Dr. Sileo speaks across the country and does author visits. Dr. Sileo teaches mindfulness to his patients, and to schools and organizations. Visit Dr. Sileo at www.drfranksileo.com and follow him on Twitter: @DrFrankSileo Facebook: @DrFrankSileo

Jennifer Zivoin has always loved art and storytelling, so becoming an illustrator was a natural career path. She has been trained in media ranging from figure drawing to virtual reality, and earned her bachelor of arts degree with highest distinction from the honors division of Indiana University. During her professional career, Jennifer worked as a graphic designer and then as a creative director before finding her artistic niche illustrating children's books, including Something Happened in Our Town, Did You Hear?, and A World of Pausabilities. She lives in Indiana.Visit her at www.jzartworks.com.

Editorial Reviews

12/19/2016
Sileo (Don’t Put Yourself Down in Circus Town) invites readers to explore the potential in “pausabilities,” i.e. “taking a pause just for you,/ to stop and notice what you feel, think, and do.” Writing in rhyme, Sileo offers numerous suggestions for ways that children can be mindful, whether paying attention while eating (“Have something yummy and healthy to eat./ Notice the flavor; is it salty, or sweet?”), doodling, or taking a break from screens. Zivoin (Big Red and the Little Bitty Wolf) sets nearly every scene outdoors, and her warm digital illustrations show multiethnic families playing in the rain, sharing a quiet moment on a porch swing, and chasing fireflies by night. Through the rhythms of Sileo’s verse can be uneven, he offers a wealth of ideas for how children and families can stay engaged in the present. Ages 4–8. (Feb.)

Publishers Weekly

Gold medal, Mom’s Choice Awards

Silver medal, 2017 Independent Publisher Book Awards

"Sileo invites readers to explore the potential in 'pausabilities'...he offers a wealth of ideas for how children and families can stay engaged in the present." —Publishers Weekly

“Ideal for a yoga storytime or as a bedtime read to encourage children to pause, take a breath, and go to sleep with a sense of appreciation…elementary teachers could use this title as a warm-up read before starting the day’s activities, to provide a respite from work, or to stimulate concentration.” —School Library Journal

"I really liked this book. I’ve learned a lot about “pausabilities.” When I get upset, I think of how I can take a pause and calm down."—Brian, Age 6, Kids' Book Buzz

“A great resource for parents and teachers interested in teaching children about mindfulness.” —Mom’s Radius

"This charming and delightful new book for children has beautiful illustrations and short poems that clearly and playfully express the essence of mindfulness. Best yet, it offers children simple guidance to incorporate and experiment with mindfulness in their lives." —Diana Winston, Director of Mindfulness Education, UCLA's Mindful Awareness Research Center, Author of Fully Present: The Science, Art and Practice of Mindfulness

"Dr. Frank Sileo has written another incredibly beautiful and inspiring book for children. A World of Pausabilities cleverly and engagingly introduces kids to the concept of mindfulness, teaching them practical everyday skills to cope with the emotional ups and downs of life. This is a must-read for all children—and parents!" —Lawrence Rosen, MD, Integrative Pediatrician and Founder of The Whole Child Center

"…with spontaneity and breathless delight, Dr. Sileo illustrates how children can use a pause to get to know and explore their own inner awareness. Especially impressive in Pausabilities is the absence of any kind of preaching or use of "shoulds." Pausabilities is an affirmation and an adventure…Bravo, Dr. Sileo!" —Diane Handlin, PhD, Founder and Executive Director of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Center of NJ

"We live in a busy, hectic world. As adults we have become accustomed to the pace and often do not realize how wound up we have become. Our children's health, well-being, and happiness are suffering today due to the chaos of this pace. Remembering to pause, or even knowing what that means is so unfamiliar…until now. A World of Pausabilities cleverly introduces the possibility of what it means to stop, notice and enjoy the everyday wonder of living. As a parent, pediatric therapist and a yoga/mindfulness teacher, it is so helpful to have this extraordinary book as another tool to offer children (and adults) to easily understand and explore the practice of mindfulness. Each page offers a new idea of how to be mindful in our everyday life. The words are only complimented by each illustration which coveys feelings of peace and joy. What a great combination." —Allison Morgan MA, OTR, E-RYT, Director of Zensational Kids, LLC

"There is nothing more restorative than pausing to go within in order to be fully present to our lives. To better connect with ourselves, others, and the world around, this beautifully illustrated book with its lively narrative invites children (and the adults who love them) to slow down, pause, and to become aware of their experiences in a kind-hearted and curious way. In a world that is increasingly fast, with distractions and stressors at an all-time high, our children need a way to create refuge within themselves in order to find a place of solace and to build resiliency. This book is their invitation." —Gael Belden, MA, Mindfulness and Compassion Educator with UCLA's Mindful Awareness Research Center

"In our 'hurry up and do something' culture where children are often rushed and over-scheduled, they can easily lose touch with their natural ability to be fully present in the moment. Dr Frank Sileo has come up with the antidote. In his new book, he highlights the spontaneous moments of presence in children's lives, describing them as A World of Pausabilities. A beautifully illustrated and imagined work, he both encourages and validates the importance of such small and simple moments. He also includes an excellent beginner's guide in mindfulness in the back for teachers and parents. This book is a great first step toward getting the whole family more present and connected to their lives." —Carol Potter, seen as Cindy Walsh on Beverly Hills 90210, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, co-creator of Best Practice Parenting

“Dr. Frank Sileo has crafted a wonderfully written introduction to mindfulness for both kids and adults, making this book perfect for bedtime reading as well as to help your child begin to learn about their minds, bodies and emotions… In a world of constant connectivity that screams for more, demands things faster and is constantly looking to the future or the past; this is a crucial message for all of us… This book is a must-have for all—especially for parents, caregivers, teachers and counselors.” —John Došennis, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor & Co-owner Parenting & Family Solutions

From the Publisher

03/01/2017
K-Gr 3—In this picture book exercise in mindfulness, psychologist and children's author Sileo invites primary grade readers to walk barefoot, play with the wind, share a story with a pet, or just hug someone they love. The work is written in easy-to-follow rhyming prose, supported by imaginative illustrations that express that "pausability" can occur at any time, day or night. It is ideal for a yoga storytime or as a bedtime read to encourage children to pause, take a breath, and go to sleep with a sense of appreciation. Though the font is rather small, elementary school teachers could use this title as a warm-up read before starting the day's activities, to provide a respite from work, or to stimulate concentration. An ending "Notes to Caregivers" explains mindfulness and offers ideas on how to join the world of "pausabilities." VERDICT A fine addition for school and public libraries to introduce mindfulness.—Kathia Ibacache, Simi Valley Public Library, CA

School Library Journal