What Does It Mean to Be Present?

by Rana DiOrio, Eliza Wheeler (Illustrator)

Overview

A Mindfulness Classic for Kids—Loved by Parents, Teachers & Therapists Alike

What does it really mean to be present? For young children, it means listening carefully, noticing what's around them, and showing up with kindness and focus. In What Does It Mean to Be Present?, author Rana DiOrio gently introduces these essential mindfulness concepts through real-life moments that kids experience every day.

Winner of four prestigious awards—including the Mom's Choice Gold and Moonbeam Gold—this picture book has become a beloved favorite among families and educators looking to nurture empathy, calm, and emotional awareness in children ages 4–8.

This book helps children:

• Stay centered in the moment—even when the world feels busy
• Build focus and patience through engaging stories and visuals
• Strengthen emotional bonds with caregivers through shared reflection

Backed by glowing reviews from parents and teachers, What Does It Mean to Be Present? turns everyday scenes—playing with friends, helping a sibling, walking on the beach—into powerful lessons in mindfulness and presence.

Why it's a must-have for home and classroom:

• Teaches mindfulness through storytelling – Empowers kids to slow down, pay attention, and be kind
• SEL-aligned – Supports social-emotional learning outcomes like empathy, self-awareness, and compassion
• Inclusive and accessible – Features diverse characters and relatable family and school settings
• Perfect for gifting – Ideal for birthdays, school events, therapy toolkits, or as a conversation starter

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781728223063
Publisher:	Sourcebooks
Publication date:	05/01/2020
Series:	What Does It Mean To Be...?
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	10.70(w) x 8.30(h) x 0.30(d)
Lexile:	AD540L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Rana DiOrio is an intrepid force for empowerment and positive change. Her purpose is to help people maximize their potential, and she continues to expound and expand upon that mission across her diverse and highly successful career.

As a corporate and securities attorney, tech-sector investment banker, investor, and advisory board member, Rana has catalyzed the financial, operational, and cultural growth of organizations for almost three decades. As an award-winning author and children’s media entrepreneur, she has sparked meaningful conversations between children and their caring adults and is focused on fostering kindness in the next generation by helping creatives who make this possible realize the full potential of their work through her company, Creative Mint, Inc. She lives in San Francisco, CA with her three children. Follow Rana on Twitter @ranadiorio and on Instagram @ranedear.

Read an Excerpt

"Being present means...
listening carefully when other people are speaking.
...noticing when someone needs help and taking the time to give them the help they need.
...focusing on what's happening now, instead of thinking about what's next."

Editorial Reviews

What Does it Mean to Be Present? demonstrates practical ways to practice being present. Bright illustrations and lyrical text concisely and delightfully deliver the message of the importance of now.”—The Children's Book Review

From the Publisher