Slow Down Amaya

Author Bio

Natasha Iregbu is a Children’s Author from Edinburgh. She is a Mindfulness Teacher and Coach, Community Education Worker, Children and Teenagers Creative Mindfulness Practitioner and Yoga Teacher.

Her debut children’s book, Slow Down Amaya, shares mindfulness with children in a simple but effective way.

Natasha has worked in the voluntary sector for over a decade. She has worked with a children, young people and adults from various backgrounds.

During her time working with children and young people, a large number of them had ASD and ADHD. Upon reflection, Natasha realised that she hadn’t seen many books which included characters who are Neurodiverse and that these children may not often see themselves reflected in books either.

Growing up Natasha didn't see characters who looked like her in books. She wanted to highlight the importance of diversity and representation through the characters in Slow Down Amaya.

Natasha witnessed the negative impact of the pandemic on the children she worked with. After sharing mindfulness with them and seeing the benefits it had on their wellbeing and emotional literacy she was motivated to share these tools with more children.

Book Background

I published Slow Down Amaya to introduce children to mindfulness in a simple but effective way through storytelling.

During my time working with children and young people, a large number of them had ASD and ADHD. Upon reflection I realised that I hadn’t saw many books which included characters who are Neurodiverse and that these children might not regularly see themselves reflected in books.

Additionally, growing up I didn't see characters who looked like me in books. I wanted to reflect the ethnic diversity in the UK, particularly in Scotland, in my book

I wanted to acknowledge and highlight the importance of representation through the characters in Slow Down Amaya.

I hope that children can accepting each other's differences and being kind to themselves and others with the help of my book.

I was inspired to write the book after noticing the negative impact of the pandemic on the children I worked with. After sharing mindfulness with the children and seeing the benefits it had to their wellbeing and emotional literacy I was motivated to share these tools with more children.

Book Description

Come along on Amaya’s journey of slowing down and meeting a new friend in nature.

Amaya is a friendly and excitable butterfly who is always busy. She learns to slow down and be in the here and now by using her senses. Amaya guides children through a mindfulness activity to practice being in the moment.

This mindfulness based picture book helps children explore emotions, friendship, kindness and inclusivity. It is the perfect way to support children develop their creative thinking and includes activity pages for added fun.

Target age: 5-7 years old

However younger and older children can also read it.