MINDFULNESS TOOLS AND ACTIVITIES
Teaching kids how to embrace their emotions and harness their own power through mindfulness in a fun and creative way.
Mindful Owl Adventures - Friendships Through Mindfulness
A Reader Participation Book - The second edition of story of siblings, Alexa and Chester, and their wondrous bedtime-adventure with Mindful Owl.
One moonlit night Mindful Owl magically appears to teach the children about mindfulness. They learn to slowly breathe in and out, to be present and aware, to have calm and loving thoughts, and to visualize. Suddenly they are flying through the beautiful blue sky and Owl takes the children on a fun adventure to meet other animal friends. During the journey Alexa and Chester learn interesting information about the animals and also learn important lessons about friendship. They learn the value of sharing and being kind and compassionate.
Throughout the story the reader participates by discovering each new animal by guessing who will be next and they even help in saving some of the animals. They learn self-calming techniques and positive affirmations and help in solving the story through mindfulness tools they have learned so everyone can get along.
San Francisco Book Review
We rated this book: 5 Stars
"This innovative, magnificent story is sure to be a parent's favorite and a child's treasure!... [Ranger] does an extraordinary job of weaving together a story that teaches real-life concepts from which all children can gain insight and wisdom and a tale that allows the reader to escape into the imaginary world... She further engages the reader by inviting him or her to actively participate in the story by reciting rhymes, pondering who might be next in the story, and participating in breathing exercises to incite calm. The pages are beautifully illustrated, and the text is well organized and perfect for children with second- and third-grade reading levels. The audience for this precious tale, though, is more wide ranging. It's highly appropriate for children as young as three through children in their early elementary school years."
Annie Ranger is an author, mindfulness ,meditation and Reiki Master Teacher and a substitute teacher. Throughout these roles, she has seen how beneficial it is to use mindfulness tools to stay present and ride the waves of stressful, challenging , unhappy and even happy times.
With a strong belief in whole child, whole family wellness, Annie’s focus is to help people of all ages become the healthiest, happiest, most successful versions of themselves. Through her writings, one-on-one sessions, workshops, and school enrichment programs, she teaches others, especially children and their families, how to use their breath, thoughts, and love to calm their bodies and shift and move their energy in a way that harnesses their own power and raises their awareness and vibration to positive thoughts and feelings.
Annie has a degree from UCLA and has studied mindfulness under many teachers including at the UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center. She is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators whose work has been seen at Book Expo America, in Teen Magazine, and more. She believes in the power of our thoughts, literacy and story time to bring more love, kindness, compassion, and a little less stress to the families of today. Annie lives in Los Angeles with her family. To learn more about her sessions please visit
About the Illustrator
Born in Sevastopol, Ukraine, Anna Abramskaya graduated from Kharkov State Academy of Design and Arts. Since she was little Anna always loved art, drawing everywhere if she had pencil and paper. “The process of creation always brings me joy and I wish to share this joy with everyone. It is a joy to see the beauty in simple things around us. I want to believe that art can help us to bring more love into our hearts.” Anna now lives in Bellevue, Washington with her husband and two young daughters.
Four Oaks Mission
The mission of Four Oaks Press is to bring more awareness to Mindfulness and Wellbeing for Children. Our books tell timeless stories with a modern twist. In some cultures the Oak is a strong reminder that mankind has the ability to overcome all odds with an endless capacity for kindness. At Four Oaks Press our goal is to help spread more kindness and love and less stress, while inspiring children, parents, and caregivers to become engaged in reading and especially in story-time – that special time to bond, learn, escape, relax and dream with your children. We hope to encourage a love of reading while helping the world to be a bit more loving and kinder.
The Oak Tree
As the Oak is known for its strength and endurance and its branches reach to the clouds while its roots are planted deep into the ground, we hope our stories emulate the same. In some cultures the oak is a firm reminder that mankind has the ability to overcome all odds and has an endless capacity for kindness.
Reviews and Testimonials
San Francisco Book Review
We rated this book: 5 Stars
This innovative, magnificent story is sure to be a parent’s favorite and a child’s treasure!
It's bedtime – time for Alexa and Chester to go to sleep. Instead, they battle over who is going to get their beloved animal friend – the Mindful Owl. Much to their surprise, he magically comes to life and takes on a new role – the role of a teacher of important life lessons. He explains that he’s going to show them how to be peaceful and kind and learn how to share. This inviting and mystical owl begins by teaching them some deep breathing and relaxation exercises and then takes them on a fun and adventurous journey through the deep, blue skies and into the depths of the green and lavish forest. There, the siblings are introduced to Mama Bird, who teaches them how she protectively cares for her eggs. Next, Alexa and Chester cross paths with Speedy Bunny, who teaches them about the importance of staying focused and alert. As they venture further through the domains of the forest, they run into other kind creatures who teach them how they protect themselves and care for others, despite some of their appearances and perceived limitations. They gently instruct this brother and sister team on the power of forgiveness and kindness in the midst of challenges. Finally, Alexa and Chester have the unique opportunity to share all the Mindful Owl has taught them with their new animal friends before they end their delightful journey and return to the landscapes of the real world.
The author does an extraordinary job of weaving together a story that teaches real-life concepts from which all children can gain insight and wisdom and a tale that allows the reader to escape into the imaginary world of sailing through the sky and escapading through a forest filled with talking animals. She further engages the reader by inviting him or her to actively participate in the story by reciting rhymes, pondering who might be next in the story, and participating in breathing exercises to incite calm. The pages are beautifully illustrated, and the text is well organized and perfect for children with second- and third-grade reading levels. The audience for this precious tale, though, is more wide ranging. It’s highly appropriate for children as young as three through children in their early elementary school years.
" Mindful Owl Adventures is a wonderful introduction to the practice of mindfulness for young children. Through an engaging and entertaining story with animals, children learn one of the basic tenants of mindfulness, the value of being able to focus attention on the breath. The story successfully capitalizes on the benefits of mindfulness, sharing, caring, and loving compassion, without labeling them as such. A delightful work for children !
~Tom Fraser MSPA, Inter-Agency Council on Child Abuse and Neglect
"A great addition to children’s literature! Ms. Ranger creates a thoughtful and important tale about self-esteem and sharing. Charming, engaging and well illustrated, the interactive suggestions throughout will draw youngsters into the story." ~ Dr. Philip Cogen, Behavioral Health Services, Westwood, CA
This charming book will help children learn how to care for others and themselves through mindfulness and self-calming techniques. We see that unkind behaviors may not be intentional; and no one can go wrong with "hearts full of love and light will guide us to do what's right".
~ Rebecca Peterson, Clinical Psychologist
"A wonderful and empowering resource for teaching children the positive effects of being mindful of others. Encouraging calm and kind behavior while learning how to use sharing and caring to guide decision making is an excellent means of educating children about mindfulness." ~Trisha Treadwell, Physical Education Teacher
"This clever and innovative book is a must read for young children and their parents! Mindful Owl Adventures is a delightful book which teaches children about mindfulness in a fun, interactive and playful manner. Alexa and Chester learn how to be kind and not fight, as Mindful Owl takes them on a journey to meet several wood animals and shows them how “...being calm, loving, and kind is easy to be, then you can live in the woods happily.”
Annie Ranger does a wonderful job helping kids to focus on their breath and be in the present moment, through the use of rhyme and interaction with the characters. For example, after mindful owl teaches Alexa and Chester how to full up their tummies like a big balloon and pretend to blow out candles in their room, the reader is invited to try this technique as well – “CAN YOU TAKE DEEP BREATHS, and pretend to blow out candles like Alexa and Chester?”
The illustrations by Anna Abramskaya are charming, and add to the wonderful appeal of the book. More than ever, children need to learn how to be kind to one another and stay calm in our ever-complex technological society.
~ Teresa Anne Power is the bestselling author of The ABCs of Yoga for Kids product line.
Great way to introduce mindfulness to the whole family
As an educator, I think Mindful Owl Adventures is a great way to teach kids (not to mention parents, grandparents, and other caregivers!) about the "wise mind" and how simple techniques for calming our bodies can help us feel better--and help us treat others with more compassion. The book is set up nicely with specific things for young readers to say and do on almost every page (e.g., taking deep breaths and blowing out imaginary candles). I can see this book becoming a part of a nightly routine for many families. OH
A wonderful and insightful read
Mindful Owl is such a wonderful book with meaning, value and lifestyle tools; the children and the reader can learn a huge amount from this book. In my opinion, this is the future of human education! I recommend this book to absolutely everyone and anyone, irrespective of age or gender! AG
Mindfulness should be a natural sensibility for our children, we just have to help them get there!
Annie Ranger focuses on a "much-needed" mindset for our youth today. With all the things our children can be in this crazy world, let's guide them to be kind, mindful of other's feelings and loving in their approach to life. This is a must for all Moms of young children, Mom's to Be, and Grandparents who love to "help" raise their grandchilden. The message is simple, clear and KIND. Be sure to give it as a holiday gift, or a gift for anyone's birthday in your family. The power of this book is reading it together with children, parents and grandparents. JS
Such an important message and tool for children
My kids are now in their 20's but I still shared this book with them for all the wisdom and kindness and reminder of mindfulness it imparts!! So on pulse for the tools that will save our next generation. Highly recommend and a fun, interactive read!! WH
A Positive message for any age. Beautiful illustrations and a kind loving message to all. I give this to every young person I know. Looking forward to a sequel. AMC