Author Visits & Appearances
Meet the Author
Yolonda Deon Tyler is the creator of Mindful Play Learning, a program that uses play, movement, and mindfulness to support children’s social-emotional development. A former counselor and children’s play space owner, she has spent over two decades helping families and educators bring more intention and connection into everyday play.
A certified children’s yoga and mindfulness instructor, Yolonda brings a trauma-informed and inclusive approach to her work with young learners. Through stories, music, and hands-on activities, she helps children explore mindfulness in ways that are playful, engaging, and easy to understand.
About the Book
Deon the Mindful Mermaid was inspired by Yolonda’s lifelong love of mermaids and their sense of magic, mystery, and adventure. She created Deon as a character she could personally relate to and as a way to help children explore mindfulness in a simple and approachable way.
In the story, Deon learns to explore the world around her using her senses. The book also includes a sing-along mindfulness song and companion curriculum designed to help children practice these skills through movement, music, and playful activities.
Yolonda hopes the story gives children easy tools to better understand their surroundings and begin developing lifelong mindfulness skills at an early age. Most importantly, she hopes every child who meets Deon can see a little of themselves reflected in her story.
Inside the book
Explore the 5 senses of mindfulness
Deon explores the ocean using her five senses: seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, and touching. These simple awareness tools help children slow down, notice the world around them, and practice mindfulness in a fun and natural way.
Sing along with Deon
The 5 senses of mindfulness song brings mindfulness to life through music and movement. As children sing along and follow the motions, they reinforce the five senses and experience mindfulness in a playful, memorable way.
Extend the learning
The Deon the Mindful Mermaid curriculum expands on the story with guided activities that help children explore mindfulness through play, sensory discovery, and creative exploration.
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The Mindful Mermaid
Book Project
Putting mindful stories into the hands of children, one book at a time.
At Mindful Play Learning, we believe every child deserves access to stories that inspire mindfulness, confidence, and imagination. Through The Mindful Mermaid Book Project, we're on a mission to place copies of Deon the Mindful Mermaid into the hands of children in schools, childcare centers, libraries, hospitals, nonprofits, and community organizations.
For just $10, you can give one child their very own copy.
How It Works
1. Choose Your Impact
Select a donation amount or sponsor the number of books you'd like to give.
2. Choose a Recipient (Optional)
Sponsor a specific school, classroom, or community organization—or let us identify a deserving partner.
3. We Handle the Rest
Our team coordinates the ordering, delivery, and distribution of every donated book.
4. Children Receive Their Books
Each child receives their own copy of Deon the Mindful Mermaid to read, enjoy, and take home.
5. See Your Impact
We'll share updates and photos (when available) so you can see the difference your generosity is making.
Make It Even More Memorable
Enhance your sponsorship by adding a Deon the Mindful Mermaid Author Visit, where Yolonda Deon Tyler brings the story to life through an interactive read-aloud and mindfulness experience. Author visits are available for an additional fee and can be customized for schools, libraries, and community organizations.
Your donated books are shared with:
Schools & Classrooms | Childcare Centers | Libraries | Children's Hospitals | Community Organizations | After-School Programs | Family Shelters | Literacy Events
Your Gift Creates Waves of Impact
Every donation helps put mindful stories into the hands of children.
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Frequency
One time
Monthly
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Amount
1 book for 1 child
$10
5 books for 5 children
$50
10 books for a small group or after-school program
$100
25 books for every child in one classroom
$250
100 books for every student in one grade level
$1,000
500 books for every child in one school
$5,000
Other
0/100
Comment (optional) - If you have a school or organization you would like the donation to go to, please add the name of the school or organization below. We will coordinate all logistics and delivery.
Interactive Mindfulness Read-Aloud Programs for Children
Bring mindfulness to life through story, music, and play. Inspired by the book, "Deon the Mindful Mermaid", these interactive read-aloud programs help children explore the five senses of mindfulness in a fun and engaging way. Perfect for schools, libraries, childcare centers, and more! Recommended Ages: Toddler- Grade 3
Interactive Read-Aloud
(30 minutes)
Children enjoy an engaging Read-Aloud of Deon the Mindful Mermaid and Q&A, with audience participation, a dance-along mindfulness song, breathing skills, and an activity that introduces the five senses of mindfulness.
Hands-on Experience
(60 minutes)
Includes the interactive Read-Aloud of Deon the Mindful Mermaid, Q&A, plus hands-on activity stations where children explore the five senses through sensory play and guided mindfulness activities. A perfect blend of story, music, and sensory play.
Mermaid Meet and Greet (90 minutes)
The full experience! Includes the interactive Read-Aloud, Q&A, mindfulness song, sensory activity stations, and a special live mermaid meet-and-greet inspired by Deon the Mindful Mermaid.
What Children Will Learn
Through story, song, and hands-on exploration, children will:
• Learn about the five senses of mindfulness and how they help us notice the world around us
• Practice simple mindfulness and breathing techniques
• Build self-awareness and emotional regulation skills
• Strengthen listening, observation, and curiosity
• Experience mindfulness as something fun, playful, and accessible
