A Yoga Parade of Animals: A First Fun Picture Book on Yoga

A fascinating foray into the world of yoga for children promotes inner strength, good posture, flexibility, and stillness, and includes a wealth of simple instructions accompanied by vivid illustrations.

Grade 2-6-An instructional picture book that encourages children to experience the flexibility of their bodies and the calmness of their spirits by assuming the shapes and postures of different animals. Readers are asked to approach each position slowly and gently, relaxing into each one rather than forcing their muscles. Brightly colored two-page spreads are devoted to each pose with a vivid watercolor cartoon drawing of an animal on one side and written directions and a full-color photograph of a child imitating the posture on the other. The text provides straightforward instructions and is supplemented with detailed line drawings. Breathing, stretching, and relaxation techniques are easy to follow. Facts about yoga and its history provide interest for students seeking additional information. While the photographs clearly show the proper body positioning, young children may have trouble relating to the line drawings. A nice touch is the final position, "Sleeping Snake," in which a group of youngsters learn relaxation and a "feeling of being at one with everybody and everything."-Lisa Wu Stowe, Great Neck Library, NY
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