A beautiful bedtime routine for yogis of any age!
Starting with a gentle Om, Yawning Yoga's simple instructions, gorgeous illustrations, and soothing poetry guide readers through a relaxing routine to end the day. Thoughtful poems depict a series of step-by-step yoga poses. Each of the poses is accompanied by its Sanskrit name, adding to the layers of learning.
Written by Laurie Jordan, a specialist in yoga for children, this lovely introduction to the elements of yoga practice―including stretching, posture, and breath work―will help children and their caring adults ready their bodies for a restful sleep.
What THe Experts Are Saying
“A gorgeous book that soothes my soul. The exquisite poetry and graceful illustrations are alluring.”
“An exquisitely rendered, visually healing feast for the senses, offering children a context for daily practice, and reminding parents and caregivers of the simple beauty of sharing yoga with our families.”
“An eloquently guided journey and a trail guide for children into the body. This will be on the top of my gift list for the children and parents in my life.”
“This sweet gorgeous book conveys the feeling of yoga just reading it. Peaceful, easy, optimistic. Just sharing it with your child, even if you read in stillness, can help convey a somatic experience of letting go of tension and creating space. Whether you look at it, read it, or do it – you will feel better.”
“Yawning Yoga is a beautiful example of how yoga can connect us to our selves and to each other. The joy of thoughtful movement and the value of embracing rest are gifts we can give to our children through yoga. A beautiful book for bedtime or anytime. I absolutely love it!”
“Yawning Yoga makes the nighttime ritual so much more creative and easeful. The illustrations are magical and engaging, and the poses are age-appropriate and fun. Every parent should have this on hand for bedtime.”
“I have made my living as a professional yoga teacher for the last twenty years. I am also a writer and a father of two small children. So, I have read my fair share of children’s yoga books. And frankly, I usually have to look past aspects in order to enjoy them with my children. But not with Yawning Yoga by Laurie Jordan. What a pleasure it is to have a book to share yoga with my children that not only is beautifully illustrated but also has lovely, sweet, and well written poems that are rooted in some solid yoga. Finally, a children’s yoga book that doesn’t disappoint.”
“PreS-Gr 2 –Jordan walks children through 11 different yoga poses meant specifically to help them unwind and settle down before bedtime. The first page offers tips to readers, including holding each pose for three to five breaths and going through them at a comfortable pace. Each section describes a child-friendly position, including “dog-tired down dog,” “seashell,” and “jelly belly,” along with its name in Sanskrit. A rhyme describing each pose is also featured (“when muscles feel all tense and tight, I do this stretch each and every night”). The more complicated poses are accompanied by small instructional images. Mayo’s lush, colorful illustrations are striking and lend a dreamlike quality to the work. With the recent push toward mindfulness in schools, this is a helpful tool to extend those soothing practices at home. VERDICT Ideal for pre-nap or pre-bedtime relaxation. Consider for use in preschools or at home.”