Anyone familiar with reading to small children knows that stories and quiet snuggling make a cozy fit, but even more so, stories that invite movement and expression. Visit a toddler story hour and undoubtedly, you’ll see and hear some “wiggle worms” in the audience join in with their actions and voices, adding a new dimension to any picture book.
In 2024, locals Rachel Glowacki and Carly Finke co-founded Move With Me Books, inspired by this idea. Their mission is “to engage all readers, to embody stories through movement, mindfulness and breath, because every child deserves a multi-sensory experience that enhances literacy and memory.”
To begin, they selected and featured eight picture books in their free online virtual library and through Glowacki’s interactive presentations. Through read-alouds, yoga-inspired movement and reflection practices, they “develop emotional literacy, body awareness and a strong sense of belonging — one breath and book at a time.”
Now, Glowacki herself has authored the next feature book, All Through The Crown, published September 2025, with a special local launch event at The Bookworm of Edwards. Accompanied by endearing, inclusive and colorful illustrations by Ryan Nelson, Glowacki adopts the familiar tune, “Wheels on the Bus,” to create her own version which celebrates body movements, feelings, energy and thoughts from head to toe. One can’t help but to hum, to tap or even to sing along with the text, turning from page to page.
Glowacki invites kids and adults to experience this playful and powerful connection between our feelings and our reactions. Following the verses, she introduces seven main chakras in her “Chakra Rainbow” and leads an audience of all ages with her “Rainbow Meditation.” Chakras help us to recognize how the energy in our bodies moves or gets stuck. Mantras and meditation both boost positive thinking and mindful journeying.
It is Glowacki’s vision and hope that the ideas and habits introduced in her picture book, as well as through Move With Me Books, prove to be contagious and grow as popular practices among parents, teachers, librarians and all adults who closely influence kids. Certainly, the world is a better place with messages such as …
“The voice in our throat says peace and love
Peace and love, peace and love.
The voice in our throat says peace and love,
All through the crown.”
