Children’s Book Review of The ABCs of Yoga for Kids

The ABCs of Yoga for Kids was written by Teresa Anne Power, illustrated by Kathleen Rietz, and published by Stafford House in 2009.

The ABCs of Yoga for Kids presents fifty-six poses which spotlight the appeal, ease, and simplicity of yoga. As a noncompetitive form of exercise, yoga is suitable for all ages, from toddlers to seniors. The variety of poses ensures that everyone will find their favorites.

Presented as an alphabet book, The ABCs of Yoga for Kids is an enjoyable introduction to yoga fun. With its ancient history and timeless attraction, yoga also is popular because of its many healthy benefits, which include balance, proper breathing, concentration, coordination, flexibility, and strength. Straightforward movements are easy to master and wonderfully enhance well-being. Understanding of poses is facilitated by informative, lilting rhymes and colorful illustrations. Children enjoy learning and doing new things. Yoga heightens their awareness of their bodies and gives them a context for learning which relates to the natural world. And nature is much loved by children. Especially enjoyable for children are the images of the namesakes of each pose, in addition to images of children holding the poses. For example, garland pose (Sanskrit: malasana) is reminiscent of squatting frogs. Introduced, thus, under the letter “f”, the pose is rhythmically described  as a squat preparatory to a big jump. And, of course, the well-known “r-r-r-r-i-b-b-i-t” is uttered as well. Children squeal with joy as they learn this pose which reminds them of the fascinating movements and sounds of frogs.

Under the letter “n”, the idea of a new pose is presented. The creativity of yoga accounts for its timelessness. In a sense, new poses are always being created because each pose is performed in a way that is unique to each person and progresses toward the full pose, or its approximation, with regular practice. Children recognize this aspect of vitality which inheres in yoga and which stimulates their creativity. Through its noncompetitive nature, yoga encourages calmness, joyousness, and patience. A child who is learning the tree pose has an awareness that no two trees are alike and that they grow from saplings into mature trees. As such, the child gains an appreciation of the life cycle which is detectable throughout nature and human life.

An incomparable benefit of yoga is the growth of confidence, which is increased through the variety of poses in the yoga repertoire because poses benefit the entire body and mind in addition to focusing on specific areas. A healthy sense of one’s body is empowering for all ages. Because children especially are fascinated with movement and with holding positions, they derive much pleasure in learning to move in interesting ways through the endless variety of poses.

The ABCs of Yoga for Kids is an entertaining, informative way to encourage balance, concentration, flexibility, and happiness in children. It makes for healthy fun.

Copyright:  Monday, June 11, 2012, by Stessily.