Like a Fish in Water: Yoga for Children

Rating:
Summary: My son was entranced!
Review: I bought this book in desperation after finding that it was taking me longer and longer to lever myself out of bed. I looked at the pictures and figured if the kid could do it, I could do it. The book is fun, assessible, visually interesting for children and adults, and includes a good set of beginning asanas. My only reservation is that the postures are not presented in a sensible order. This would be a good gift. A child could easily navigate this book on his or her own; the vocabulary is straightforward, the illustrations clear--very charming.

Rating:
Summary: Like an Adult with Creaky Joints . . .
Review: I bought this book in desperation after finding that it was taking me longer and longer to lever myself out of bed. I looked at the pictures and figured if the kid could do it, I could do it. The book is fun, assessible, visually interesting for children and adults, and includes a good set of beginning asanas. My only reservation is that the postures are not presented in a sensible order. This would be a good gift. A child could easily navigate this book on his or her own; the vocabulary is straightforward, the illustrations clear--very charming.

Rating:
Summary: My son was entranced!
Review: I have to admit I was a little disappointed when I first looked at this book. But as all too often happens, we adults fail to see the true joy in something simple. The pictures of a child doing yoga instantly entranced my son, and the hand drawn backgrounds lend a sense of playfulness. My son who is four has been mimicking my yoga poses since he was around 10 months old, but this is the first time he has seen someone his own size in these poses.

I found he lacked the patience to listen to the descriptions that accompany the pictures, but would talk about the pictures, ask questions, and willingly try the poses himself, often holding a pose for 30 or more seconds. Anyone with a 4-year-old knows that 30 seconds is an eternity. My 19-month-old daughter wasn't interested in the book but enjoyed copying her brother.

My son has been asking to practice with me more often lately, bringing his own mat when he sees me setting up for my practice. He asks for his favorite poses by name or by finding them in the book.

This book has also deepened by own yoga practice. My children have reminded me that yoga does not have to be so serious. It is okay to giggle about tipping over during tree pose or to stop for a quick hug after triangle pose. I had forgotten these simple things as I worried about getting my poses just right.

This book lacks this warning, but remember to let the child lead you. While I expect an hour or more of myself, I have found my son seems to lose interest after 15 or 20 minutes - but that is fine. Instead, I will continue to cherish the time he practices with me but I also get a little more time when he curls up and goes to sleep beside me on his mat while I finish my practice each night.
--Reviewed by Teresa Burgess