Forest Bath
- Age Range: 4-9
- Grade Level: K-3
- ISBN: 978-1-4338-4746-2
- Illustrations by Felishia Henditirto
- Published by Magination Press, Oct 2025
What if bathtime meant skipping the tub and slipping into the woods instead? What if scrubbing your back meant scratching an itch with a tree branch, and getting behind your ears meant finding your favorite flower to tuck in your hair?
In this clever story, a child turns the idea of bathtime upside down by exploring the neighborhood park with her mother, practicing the Japanese concept of forest bathing. Join them as they inspect mushrooms, squish spongy moss, splash in puddles, and more, all playfully described with familiar bathtime words. Gorgeous illustrations capture the richness and calm the woods supply.
By slowing down, focusing on their senses, and noticing the environment around them, kids can learn how to practice mindfulness and to appreciate the value of the natural world just outside their door―wherever they are!
Includes a reader’s note with more information on forest bathing as well as ideas and activities.
Forest Bath by Jen Barton is an absolute delight! This cute and quick read is perfect for parents looking to inspire their little ones to explore and appreciate the outdoors. The book beautifully encourages a sense of wonder for nature, and I love that it includes fun activities at the end to make outdoor adventures even more engaging. Teaching kids gratitude for the world around them from a young age is so important, and this book does a fantastic job of fostering that mindset.
As someone who will soon be an aunt, I already know this will be a perfect gift for my sister-in-law and future niece or nephew! Highly recommend this for any parent, teacher, or caregiver looking to nurture a love for nature in young children.
—Madison S., Reviewer
I adore this book and the illustrations. Its so pretty and colourful and full of joy. I really hope it gets published as a board book as well as a picture book. I appreciate the guide at the end of the book for the adults – explaining the history of forest bathing, different ways to explore, and a whole slew of activities.
—Sarah L., Educator
A great choice for anyone who enjoys nature and spending time in the forest with young children. This will appeal to forest school co-ops and homeschoolers as well. Forest bathing is a concept that I feel passionate about, and was glad to see a book introducing children to the idea of being one with nature. I was worried it was going to be described too literally at first, but the idea of meditating and enjoying one’s surroundings was emphasized.
At the end, the author explains the Japanese concept of forest bathing as well as some ways to be safe when exploring the natural environment.
—Carolyn C., Librarian
Forest Bath is an adorable book to show folks how to go outside and enjoy the natural world around us. Highly recommend for children and adults of all ages!
—Lizzy D., Educator
It’s bath time! A time to refresh and reset. This book follows a kid as they thoroughly ‘bathe’ themself in nature: in their toes, wash their face, between fingers! This thorough reconnect to nature brings the kid, and the reader, back to themself and ready to face the rest. There is a helpful guide on forest bathing at the end with ways you and your kid can join: feeling the breeze, listening for birds, etc. Great book!
—Tam D., Bookseller
What a fun read! Mum follows along as Little One explores all there is to see and feel in the woods and the clearing. Afterward there is a half-page of cautions and another of ideas and activities for parents. The illustrations by Felishia Henditirto are imaginative and FUN about safely exploring nature using bright colors. Well suited for reading alone or WITH someone of any age, including ESL, and great for gifting to everyone, but especially to a school, waiting room, or your local public library!
—Jan T., Reviewer
Gorgeous artwork paired with lovely, yet simple, storytelling! This children’s book takes you on a brief journey through the forest as a little girl explores all different sensory inputs from nature. My 5 year old loves nature books and giggled at the imagery of “washing” different parts of her body with dirt or leaves. However, the abstract nature of forest bathing went over his head and I had to explain several times what that meant.
—Jordan T., Reviewer
