February 1, 2022

It’s February, which means Carnival season is in full swing, Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and most Americans have officially given up on their New Year’s resolutions.

This year, health-related goals were some of the most popular resolutions, with exercise and healthy eating topping the list. Of course, diet and exercise aren’t the only ways to improve well-being. Other popular resolutions included taking stock of mental health or making time for mindfulness. If you and your family set goals for a healthy 2022, the New Orleans Public Library offers books for all ages on nutrition, fitness, mindfulness, and mental health. 

YOUNG READERS

Taking Care of Me: Healthy Habits with Sesame Street
by Mari Schuh 

Learn healthy habits alongside your favorite Muppets. Topics include washing hands, wearing masks, eating fruits and veggies, and wearing sunscreen. 

Follow that Food
by Christy Webster & Sarah Rebar (with introduction by Michelle Obama) 

If you’re a fan of Netflix’s Waffles + Mochi, this supermarket adventure makes a perfect read. Best friends Waffles and Mochi work at a supermarket, investigating ingredients and flavors from around the world to make a delicious treat for their coworkers. 

Good Morning Yoga: A Pose-by-Pose Wake Up Story
by Miriam Gates & Sarah Jane Hinder 

Teach young children to focus, relax, self-monitor, and self-soothe with this morning yoga routine. 

I Am!: Affirmations for Resilience
by Bela Barbosa & Edel Rodriguez 

Introduce children to mindfulness, emotional learning, and self-confidence with this board book focused on 10 common emotions. Activities include a centering exercise and positive affirmation to recite together. 

MIDDLE GRADE

Sports & Fitness: How to Use Your Body and Mind to Play and Feel Your Best
by Therese Kauchak Maring & Brenna Hansen 

Why participate in sports? Having fun, making friends, and building strength are just a few reasons. Part of American Girl’s “A Smart Girl’s Guide” series, this book shares helpful tips for team and solo activities. 

Food Fight! A Mouthwatering History of Who Ate What and Why Throughout the Ages (with 30 Recipes)
by Tanya Steel 

Chow down on this history of cooking trends and innovations, with recipes by the co-initiator of Michelle Obama’s Healthy Lunchtime Challenge. 

TEEN

Your Brain Needs a Hug: Life, Love, Mental Health, and Sandwiches
by Rae Earl 

 
Make it through the difficult days with friend advice, coping strategies, laughs, and zero judgment. 

Mindfulness and Meditation: Handling Life with a Calm and Focused Mind
by Whitney Stewart

Get your meditation practice off to a strong start. Includes exercises for examining emotions, managing stress, and setting intentions to increase happiness. 

There’s no one perfect recipe for making your family’s 2022 as happy and healthy as it can be. But whether your goal is to eat more fruits and veggies, join a sports team, or prioritize your mental health, these books for all ages are a great place to start. For more health resources and family reads, head on over to your neighborhood library.

Rachel Marsh is a writer and marketing associate at the New Orleans Public Library, and Kacy Helwick is the youth collection development librarian.