Review by Booklist Review
This well-designed yoga book for kids explains the history and benefits of yoga, emphasizing how it can help young people relax and improve their fitness and self-esteem. Thirty-five poses are illustrated, ranging from easy to progressively harder in two sequences one for getting energized, and the other for relaxing. The step-by-step directions are clear, though not every step in each pose is always illustrated, nor is the sequence as each pose evolves into the next. Breath-control exercises are included, and modifications to some of the harder poses are described. The author makes yoga look fun, reassuring readers that flexibility isn't a requirement and urging them to stop if they experience any pain. The poses are labeled in both Sanskrit (without a pronunciation guide) and English. Different types of yoga-styled classes are described, and the book's sturdy cover and the pages' background whorl designs and appealingly calming pastel colors complement the text. A well-designed introduction for any young person interested in learning about yoga.--Rawlins, Sharon Copyright 2017 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 5-8-With a sturdy board cover and bright layout, this upbeat introduction to yoga will attract tweens with an interest in exploring the practice. Throughout, text is broken up into short, easy-to-understand blocks. ("A Brief History" is three sentences; "The Science of Yoga" is four sentences.) Colors, patterns, arrows, and numbers decorate the pages and keep the clear information flowing. Shaded boxes clarify terms and expand on concepts, such as "Is Yoga a Religion?" and "Iso-what Exercise?" The first section offers an overview of yoga. The book continues with clearly illustrated and explained poses for "An Energizing Yoga Sequence" (17 poses), followed by "A Calming Yoga Sequence" (18 poses). English and Sanskrit names for poses are included. The volume concludes with pages on how to choose a yoga class, mindfulness, meditation, and more. The colorful artwork depicts a diverse group of athletic and friendly young teens. Overall, the author's approach emphasizes fitness, avoiding religious or spiritual overtones. Tips on knee safety and modifications are in keeping with the health-oriented "you can do it" attitude. VERDICT Presenting yoga as a healthful practice and providing material in a safe and approachable way, this title is recommended for libraries that serve upper elementary and middle school students and have a need for youth-friendly how-to yoga resources.-Maggie Knapp, Trinity Valley School, Fort Worth, TX © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Clean layout, swirly page decorations, simple explanations, and a friendly tone will help this title find its preteen audience. Reassuring explanations of general yoga principles are followed by step-by-step instructions. Each pose gets its own page, though exactly how to achieve each posture is not always clear from the picture. An energizing sequence unfolds in 18 lavender pages; a calming sequence follows on 17 light blue pages. The flow between poses is not shown. Corpse Pose is shown only at the end even though Savasana often both starts and finishes practices. Appropriate cautions are on almost every spread ("If this feels too intense"), but postures are shown in their most advanced versions and modifications are not illustrated. Readers are reminded to do the asymmetrical poses on both sides, but these poses are not labeled as such. The English name of each pose is followed by the Sanskrit word highlighted in pink (sans pronunciation guide). Thick board covers help the pages lay flat, making the book easy to consult during an exercise sequence. Almost all the figures shown are female and white. Every five or six pages, a male demonstrates a pose. Apparently chubby kids don't do yoga; all the images are slim. More detailed discussions of breath work and meditation plus internet resources, a glossary, and an index complete the package. Like most yogis it's not perfectbut it's an economical and nonthreatening way to begin a yoga practice. (Nonfiction. 10-14) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
