September is National Yoga Month
I Am Yoga
Susan Verde, Author
Peter H. Reynolds, Illustrator
Abrams Books for Young Readers, Fiction, Sep. 8, 2015
Suitable for Ages: 3-9
Themes: Yoga, Children, Yoga poses, Quiet Mind, Relaxation, Imagination, Creativity
Opening: “When I feel small in a world so big, I calm my mind, my body, my breath. I can create and imagine. I am Yoga.”
Book Jacket Synopsis: An eagle soaring among the clouds or a star twinkling in the night sky…a camel in the desert or a boat sailing across the sea. Yoga has the power of transformation. Not only does it strengthen bodies and calm minds, with a little imagination it can show us that anything is possible.
Why I like I Am Yoga:
I Am Yoga is another home run for the creative team of Susan Verde and Peter H. Reynolds. Verde’s text is sparse, lyrical and creative. You feel peaceful reading the story about a young girl trying to cope with a world that is spinning around her. She is busy with school, homework, sports, music lessons and household chores. Through yoga she learns to close her eyes, quiet her mind, and focus on her breathing. Reynolds’ expressive and soothing watercolors compliment the story. He gracefully captures the girl practicing the 16 yoga poses as she imagines herself in nature standing tall as the trees, soaring among the clouds, dancing with the moon, and opening like a flower.
I am drawn to Verde’s beautiful story because I believe in the benefits of teaching yoga and mindfulness to young children. If children learn a yoga practice early in their developing years, it becomes a natural part of a who they are. It teaches them tools that bring balance into their busy lives. They learn to recognize stress and use well-known practices to still, calm and relax their bodies, thoughts and emotions. Yoga will benefit children for a lifetime and help them change their world…the world.
Resources: There is a kid-friendly guide at the end of the book that features 16 yoga poses to strengthen, calm and inspire children to live happier and healthier lifestyles. Each pose includes instructions. This is a terrific practice for both children and parents to do together. Since September is National Yoga Month, many yoga studios, teachers and recreational centers are offering free yoga classes and events in their communities.
Susan Verde and Peter H. Reynolds will officially launch I Am Yoga, Saturday, September 19 at 11 a.m. Join the celebration, which will be held at The Blue Bunny, in Dedham, MA. They have collaborated on two other books, The Museum and You and Me. Visit their websites.
Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books (PPB) with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Books.
Sounds lovely! Reminds me of Visiting Feelings (which is essentially about mindfulness meditation).
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Yes, I Am Yoga would pair well with Visiting Feelings by Lauren Rubenstein and Peace, Bugs and Understanding, by Gail Silver. I included these books in my earlier versions of my review, but it added to its length. Thank you for pointing this out.
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Sounds great, Pat!
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Yoga is a helpful tool for busy kids who want to learn how to relax. Thanks for sharing.
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I am a huge fan of teaching yoga in the schools. My son practiced yoga at his preschool. It was a big part of the curriculum. Looks like a terrific book! Wonderful review, Pat!
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I’m glad that you shared how helpful yoga was for you son in preschool. And, I’m glad to know it is a big part of the curriculum. Such a helpful and positive tool!
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I could have used this book in my teens…I needed that kind of zen every once in a while (still do, but I’ve learned to cope now). 🙂 Enjoyed your review, as always, Pat! Have a lovely weekend!
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Yes, I believe many parents will share your thoughts as they read I Am Yoga to their children. I learned meditation and yoga to center myself and relax in my 30s.
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I was hoping you would review this one, Pat. Susan and Peter make such a good team. I am with you on the great value of teaching mindfulness and yoga to the very young!
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Yes, they do make an excellent team. You realize that as you read the book. There is such a rhythm to the storytelling which is complimented b such beautiful and soothing illustrations!
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I love the books created by Susan Verde and Peter H. Reynolds and have given them as gifts many times. I do yoga everyday and think it is great to encourage children to get in the habit. There is not enough sit and be still time for today´s kids. I can see this is another book that will end up in my little people´s collections.
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Yes, I love their creations too! Yes, I agree with you about not enough “sit and be still” time for children. But, it is something I think children would love to learn because it would give them more ways to be in control of their lives. I love that children are being taught mindfulness and being present in the moment. Thanks for sharing on twitter.
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How wonderful to encourage children to learn yoga. I love the idea of them learning about stilling the mind and being flexible in mind, body, and spirit.
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It is a wonderful practice for children to still themselves. And, from what I hear there are more preschools and elementary schools teaching the practice to children! What I like is that it teaches a child how to calm him/herself.
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Glad to see this on the list. Hope to find it at the library.
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What a great practice to teach Enzo. If it’s not in your library, request it!
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This is definitely going on my library list. Thanks!
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Glad you enjoyed my review of I AM YOGA.
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Lovely review. Thanks!
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Thank you for stopping. I’m glad you enjoyed the book review.
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I think I could benefit from this book! 🙂 Also, I love the illustration!
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We all could. It is a beautiful book!
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Sounds like I could actually benefit from this one. I do think kids can benefit from mindfulness. I’ve done yoga with my son, and it seems to calm him significantly. I also have a singing bowl that he likes to play. Another way to bring focus inward. Very nice! Thanks for featuring this book!
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We all could. It’s nice to hear that parents do yoga with the children. I would think it would be empowering for your children. I love singing bowls — another useful tool to learning to center.
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I used a book called Yoga for Kids back in the day. My 3rd graders and I LOVED our yoga times during the week. So much fun! I would’ve loved the book.
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I’m glad to hear you used it in your classroom. I would think children would love yoga time at school — what a wonderful way to help them relax. I know you were an excellent teacher.
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I use the ABCs of Yoga some, but this one looks so appealing and engaging! Thanks for always being such a great scout for my counseling shelves; totally checking this one out.
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Glad to be your scout if you are my scout. I think we equally introduce each other to excellent books. Glad you like I Am Yoga. It was just released.
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what a great review… I wonder if I can do some of those poses?
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The book makes you want to try them, but I know I can only do a few of the poses.
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I am buying this book for my 7-year-old granddaughter! She was taught yoga in pre-school, but not now in elementary. This is perfect. Thanks for the review.
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I’ve heard from several parents that their children were taught yoga in preschool, but not in elementary school. It would seem even more important to reinforce ways for children to relax and calm themselves during stressful times. So happy to know you ordered the book for your granddaughter.
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