Puppy in My Head: A Book About Mindfulness

Ollie, the narrator’s puppy, has difficulty controlling his anxiety and can get too excited or scared to deal calmly in some situations. The narrator realizes an invisible leash of self-regulation strategies could help Ollie calm down, including deep breathing, connecting with others, taking physical breaks, and acknowledging that it is okay to find a friend for support. This Canadian picture book uses engaging visuals and simple language to present a fun way for students to practice mindfulness to control their anxiety or big emotions by managing a “puppy” in their heads, and it can inspire them to develop a self-regulation toolbox to use whenever they struggle in a difficult situation.