Yoga for Kids

September 1, 2015

PreS-K-This solid introduction to the topic will pique children's interest. A young Asian boy attends yoga lessons at the zoo and returns home to practice with his pet cat. He compares the various poses to different animals at the zoo, such as a lion, tiger, camel, tortoise, cobra, and wolf, for the benefit of readers. There is joy and symmetry in the gentle illustrations, and they pair nicely with the text, which conveys the peace and relaxation of yoga through the little boy's eagerness. The book ends with a list of qualities ascribed to each creature ("the brave LION/the slow TORTOISE/the strong COBRA"). Appended is a list of "Tips for Practicing Yoga." VERDICT A fun storytime option and way to present the subject to newcomers.-Nancy Call, Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Aptos, CA

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 1, 2015
A young yogi takes inspiration from the zoo. Drawing from her experience as a children's yoga teacher, Pajalunga introduces young children to yoga philosophy and poses. After taking yoga lessons at the zoo, a young boy demonstrates his new skills at home for his pet cat. As he explains how he positions his body for each pose, he imagines himself embodying different characteristics of the animal each pose is named for. Pajalunga's gentle and supportive tone offers encouragement for hesitant students as well as energetic preschoolers. The device of giving personality traits for each animal (brave lion, funny camel, noble tiger, etc., enumerated in the backmatter) allows children to connect their thoughts and feelings to the physical movements of each pose. With exception of a few phrases, both children and adults will find the plainspoken instructions easy to follow. Each pose is accompanied by Forlati's illustrations of each animal in its natural habitat. The soothing color palette supports Pajalunga's gentle tone. A short list of tips for practicing yoga is included at the end of the book. A gentle introduction to yoga for young children and anyone who loves animals. (Picture book. 3-8)

COPYRIGHT(2015) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

November 15, 2015
Grades K-2 Yoga, an unusual subject for a picture book, is introduced here as both poses and a philosophy through depictions of various animals. From the endpages, sketched in a muted blue with a circular pattern that suggests the wholeness of life, we experience the natural world and the yoga poses that mirror it. Though Pajalunga's somewhat lengthy text can be complex for young readers, the instructions are clear, thoroughly explaining where young yogis should place head, hands, and feet. Forlati's warm, peaceful illustrations depict each pose opposite the animal it mimics: the narrator stands on one foot like a flamingo, raises up his head and shoulders like a cobra, and arches his back like a cat. Nino the cat is a constant and supportive companion on every page, even when he is asleep. The final harmonious illustration places all of the animals in a circle, symbolizing the interconnection of life. The book concludes with advice about how to have a good yoga experience and reiterates the message seen throughout the text: RELAX!(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)