September 1, 2021
Grades K-3 With the growing interest in teaching children mindfulness skills, this book is sure to garner attention from teachers, therapists, and parents. Each page depicts a serene young person in a yoga pose, with the accompanying text describing the feelings that pose can instill. The text guides the reader into the poses with simple clarity so that a reader might visualize and then try them: "I stand with my hands pointing toward the sunny sky. With one foot on my ankle or calf, I rest in Tree Pose." A reminder to breathe in and out threads through like the mantra it is meant to be. From a physical perspective, the poses are sequenced like a practice, starting with resting poses and moving to more complex ones, vinyasas, and back to resting pose. This is instructive without being pedantic. The tone is gentle, like a yoga teacher's, channeling the author's experience in yoga and mindfulness. Bright, fanciful illustrations add whimsy and imagination.
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Starred review from July 15, 2021
Mindfulness, affirmations, and yoga instructions form the text of this uplifting, "fantastical trip." Beginning with the breath, the confident, first-person narrator knows "I am love" and sits resting in Easy Pose. From there, each page turn introduces ways to manage feelings and use the breath, the mind, and affirmations to know "I am stillness," "I am life," "I am bold," and "I am grateful." All the while, the text moves readers through yoga poses that embody the thoughts expressed. Facing each page of text is a colorful illustration of a Black child in the yoga pose described, floating in space, cresting a wave, releasing butterflies, nose to nose with a dolphin, or surrounded by hearts. The child's contented face, with eyes closed and smiling slightly, and the energy that emanates from the simple lines, shapes, and colors will attract young readers to the pages. The affirmations, set apart with a larger, colored display type, will become familiar, comforting refrains taking up space for positivity and setting a standard of self-care for readers. Achikeobe-Lewis' lyrical prose and visual art combine to offer a beautiful experience of mindfulness and movement perfect for meaningful time between children and caregivers that will feed the spirits of both. Breathe, get comfortable, give and take the gift of time with this journey. (Picture book. 4-9)
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