Inspiring Children’s Books About the 5 Senses and Mindfulness

Kids usually learn about the five senses before any other part of the human body. That’s because sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch are fun and easy to explore at home and school. Understanding the senses is also important for mindfulness. Thankfully, there are so many great children’s books about the five senses and mindfulness.
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Children’s books about the science of the 5 senses
These board books and picture books introduce the five senses and a little bit of brain science, too!
The Five Senses: Sight, Smell, Taste, Touch, and Hearing
Baby Loves Science is a series of board books that are actually wonderful for toddlers, preschoolers, and Kindergarteners! Each book shows a baby learning about a sense and how it works in everyday life. Diversity is also celebrated in the pictures and descriptions, which creates social awareness and acceptance. For example, in Sight!, children with glasses and blindness are highlighted. In Hearing!, kids with hearing aids and cochlear implants are included. In Touch!, some people need space and don’t want hugs, and that’s okay. A simple anatomy diagram is also included in each book.
My Five Senses
In this picture book, a curious child discovers each of the five senses throughout the day. The child also shares a simple mindfulness activity that anyone can try: see how many senses you use at the same time at different moments! This children’s book has just a few lines per page, perfect for budding readers to practice reading.
Magic School Bus Explores the Senses
This popular informational fiction book is all about the 5 senses. Ms. Frizzle takes her students on an adventure to the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and hands. This story makes science and anatomy so much fun for kids!
Children’s Books About Using the Senses for Mindfulness
Mindfulness activities are so good for the body and mind. These books teach kids how to connect with their senses.
The Listening Walk
On your next walk, take a moment to stop and notice the noises you hear. This children’s book gives lots of inspiration for slowing down to hear, reflect, and enjoy the sounds around us.
Listening to My Body: A guide to helping kids understand the connection between their sensations and feelings.
This picture book teaches kids about the difference between physical feelings from our senses and feelings from our emotions. It also helps kids understand how different types of feelings affect each other. Sometimes, feelings can sometimes come on strong and suddenly, and other times, feelings can roll in slowly and steadily. The book also gives tips for kids to notice and stay in control of their feelings.
I Hear a Pickle (and Smell, See, Touch, & Taste It, Too!)
Hearing, smelling, seeing, touching, tasting – this book gives lots of relatable examples of how we use our amazing 5 senses every day! For example, when you’re outside, you can hear the birdie tweet and the bee buzz, but you can’t hear the worm. When the weather changes, you can hear rain and thunder but you can’t hear snow.