The Carolinian is the largest African-American newspaper in North Carolina. Our circulation covers 2/3 of the state, which is the most dense African-American population in NC, and our digital reach is nationwide. In addition to spanning the state, we also span generations of readers. If you are interested in being featured in our event’s calendar, please email us at [email protected] with the subject line “Online Event Advertising”, as well as information about your event and/or an event link or fill out the following form: https://forms.gle/DGnMwPwabPRwpCwd8. Each event ad cost is approximately $20-$30.

- This event has passed.
Mindfulness Storytime with Author Rashmi Shah
May 31 @ 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Raleigh, NC – May 20, 2025 – North Carolina–based mindfulness coach, leadership consultant, and debut children’s author Rashmi Kumar Shah will be hosting a free family storytime event on Saturday, May 31 at 10:30 AM at Quail Ridge Books in Raleigh. The event will feature a live reading of her debut picture book I Found My Piece, followed by a short, guided mindfulness activity designed to help children develop emotional awareness and regulation.
This event is the kickoff of Shah’s statewide book tour focused on promoting mindfulness, literacy, and emotional resilience for children and families. The book I Found My Piece follows the story of a young child named Nezzo who is adjusting to a major life change. With the help of his mother, Nezzo learns to manage his fears through calming breaths and visualization — simple tools rooted in mindfulness that can help children feel grounded during uncertain or emotionally overwhelming experiences.
The event is free and open to the public, and is best suited for children ages 4 to 10, along with their parents, caregivers, educators, and community members interested in supporting emotional development in children.
In addition to the live reading and activity, attendees will have the opportunity to meet the author, purchase signed copies of the book, and engage with the mindful tools modeled in the story. The event is designed to be accessible, uplifting, and family-oriented.
“Children today are facing so much change — socially, emotionally, and in their communities,” Shah says.
“I Found My Piece isn’t just a story. It’s a calming tool, disguised as a bedtime book. It gives families language and techniques to help children feel safe, supported, and seen.”
The May 31st event at Quail Ridge Books is the first in a multi-city series of events throughout North Carolina and beyond. Additional confirmed events include The Roasted Bookery in Wilmington (June 21) and Zen Youth Yoga in Austin, TX (July 1). Each stop on the tour features the same core components: a live book reading, interactive mindfulness exercise, and opportunity for children to reflect and express themselves in safe, creative ways.
This initiative comes at a time when families and educators are increasingly looking for tools to support young people in navigating emotional complexity, especially during periods of transition or stress.
Event Details
What: Free Family Storytime with Rashmi Shah
When: Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 10:30 AM
Where: Quail Ridge Books – North Hills
4209-100 Lassiter Mill Road, Raleigh, NC 27609
RSVP/Event Page: https://www.quailridgebooks.com/event/rashmikumarshah25
About the Author
Rashmi Kumar Shah is a leadership and mindfulness coach, practicing attorney, and mother of three. Born in the United Kingdom and having immigrated to the U.S. as a child, Rashmi has personally experienced the disorientation and stress that can accompany change. Over the past decade, she has worked with both adults and children to develop mindfulness-based strategies for managing stress, transitions, and emotional overwhelm. I Found My Piece is her first children’s book and reflects her deep passion for empowering families with tools for resilience and calm.
Website: https://www.rashmishah.com
Instagram: rashmimindfulcoach