Book Description

The innovative YogaKids(r) program offers more than just poses: It blends traditional yoga and its benefits with new theories of multiple learning styles in a comprehensive, imaginative, and playful approach to education.

The best-selling YogaKids(r) video (a Parent's Choice award winner) has been helping kids-and their parents-discover the pleasures and benefits of yoga for more than seven years. With this book, Marsha Wenig's fun and child-friendly course is expanded and enriched for parents, teachers, and caregivers.

YogaKids(r) presents more than 50 carefully selected poses, in clear, easy-to-follow, color photographs, paired with special activities that stimulate children's verbal, spatial, and artistic skills. The book includes special yoga routines to cover a multitude of common situations, such as calming down, getting ready for a test, or even riding in a car, as well as help for children with special needs. Parents learn the physical and emotional benefits of each pose; children discover that learning is fun, that exercise feels good, and that taking care of their bodies is easy. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

A Wonderful Resource for Children and their Parents
I may be slightly prejudiced as I have studied with Marsha Wenig and am certified in her educational approach. However, I am delighted with this colorful, child-friendly book. I intend to offer it in all my children's classes so students can continue exploring yoga at home. Not just a book of poses, the book includes fun-filled facts related to the 14 elements that are integrated in all YogaKids classes: From ecological echoes such as how butterflies use their antennae to laughing language: six different sounds Yogakids "lions" make, this book makes yoga fun and removes any of the mystique behind it. Parents, teachers, and librarians can use the many resources found in the back of the book such as music to set mood and accompany poses and the book list of suggested "Reading Comes Alive with Yoga" selections. Wenig brings her expertise as a yoga practitioner, teacher, mom, and innovative program developer to make this a "must have" book for all families with children who need to get up off the couch and move! From special needs (asthma, developmental delays, sensory integration, stiffness and postural deficits, etc.), if you can't get your child to a YogaKids class, this fun book is the next best thing!

Finally, one yoga book children and adults can appreciate!
This is the most comprehensive and beautiful children's yoga book available today(and I have read every other kids yoga book found on amazon.com), BUT it doesn't matter what I think. See for yourself, the expression of awe on children's faces as they look through this joyful book and become inspired by their peers. If the child has previously taken a yoga class or seen the YogaKids video the effect is even more powerful. It is truly a lovely book that helps children (and adults) learn more about the relationship between our mind and body; to use our imagination by 'playing' yoga; and to teach respect for and strengthen the bonds between each other and all other living things.

Best kids yoga book out there!
great photos - easy instructions - kid friendly games and activites.

this is a must have to introduce yoga and it's life-long benefits.

Best Yoga Book For Kids yet !
As I am in the process of studying to teach yoga, this IS the best teacher book I've seen yet to teaching children the wonderful practice of yoga. Thanks Marsha.

Amazing Holistic Approach for Children
The fullness of this book with its approach of the multiple intelligence holistic view of how we all....not only children...can learn in fun ways is awesome. The book is visually appealing and the information is easily accessed when researching ideas. It does not surprise me that the book meets so many needs in such a creative manner, as my experience with YogaKids has been and continues to be such a creative and encouraging journey. Thank you Marsha for once again inspiring the work that is so helpful to children and society at large. ... Read more

Book Description

Yoga is fun! Get kids bending, breathing, and stretching with The Kids’ Yoga Deck. Playful poses such as Cat, Flower, Airplane, and Gorilla—as well as partner poses that can be performed with friends—teach kids the basics of yoga. Easy enough for children to do on their own, The Kids’ Yoga Deck engages bodies and minds to help youngsters build strength, flexibility, balance, and mental focus. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

A wonderful gift for creative play!
I teach yoga to people of all ages, including my son's preschool class of three year-olds. I think this set is truly wonderful. :-)

I guess I'm writing in response to the oh, please review. That parent might wish to take a second look from a different perspective. I am an instructor and know the value of good instruction with a qualified teacher, but kids just naturally do yoga! Parents can use common sense to help kids practice safely at home. This deck stimulates creativity. Yoga for kids is FUN!!! So many things in life are serious enough. I am serious about my own practice, but light-hearted, too. I have Babar's Yoga for Elephants (LOVE IT!), but that is a little too "old" for my son, as yet. This deck he has been using since his third birthday. The illustrations are light-hearted and bright! The names reflect things found in nature and our world. The author named parsvottanasana "pyramid" and pascimottanasana as "river" in this deck. She uses imagery i.e., "Imagine that your legs are the sandy river bottom and your spine is the water flowing down." Pyramid works! Your legs need to be really strong and stable to hold this pose, like a pyramid. Maybe the cutesy name referred to was "upside-down gorilla." (The deck is recommended for ages 4 and up. I wouldn't use some of the names with my adult classes, unless the intention of the class were PLAY!, maybe! but this deck is intended for children. A lot of the names match the English translation of the Sanskrit.) The author knows that kids loooooove imaginative play! She gives suggestions for encouraging kids to use their imagination within the poses to get a real feeling for the poses as they practice.

The deck is color-coded with breathing poses, sitting and standing poses, upside-down and forward-bending poses, backward-bending poses, twisting poses, partner poses and resting poses. She gives suggestions for incorporating artwork, language arts, cooperation, non-competitiveness and listening to one's own body into the practice of yoga. Their are some "strings" of poses suggested as well as ideas for creating your own strings, using cards of different colors. Each card has on the front side an illustration of each pose, like the one shown on the front of the box. On the back she has written instructions to give for getting into and out of the pose, as well as suggestions for how to be in the pose - breathing, feeling sensation different places. Below she has suggestions for moving deeper, for expressing how the pose affected you with words, art, finding things that resemble the pose in nature, etc. This deck is truly a wonderful gift for those wishing to share the spirit and beauty of yoga with children. This touches kids beyond the physical of just how to get into the outer form of a pose.

There are some other neat books for kids out there like Fly Like a Butterfly, Playful Family Yoga, Thia Luby's book, The Idiot's Guide to Yoga with Kids, among others. This deck is very accessible (easy to just pick a card, more so than paging through a book, to be honest), safely and effectively sequenced, inspiring for children's (and adult) creativity and just a joy to use! I highly recommend it!!! I hope this review is useful!

From the heart of a teacher and a yogi
I use the yoga deck in my 4th grade classroom with my 9 and 10 year old students. They LOVE it! It's a fabulous way to integrate a holistic and nurturing physical education program into my language arts curriculum. The cards are so easy to use that my students can use them independently and in small groups. A "must have" for all teachers!

Matisse does the Lotus
What a beautiful and fun way to learn about Yoga. Great Matisse inspired graphics and color coded guides make this a very accessible route for children to be introduced into the wonderful world of Yoga. In this age of video game and media overload this deck promotes healthy exercise in a fun way. I wish I had been introduced to Yoga with a deck like this when I was young and effortlessly limber. Promoting the building blocks of good health, good spirit, and good muscle tone. A winner.

A terrific idea beautifully executed!
A delightful blend of art and exercise, Yoga For Kids, is a wonderful gift for children of all ages willing to explore yoga through play. Original art by the author/designer makes the poses simple to understand and the thoughtful arrangement of cards, rather than a plain book, makes it easy for parents and children to select which poses they would like to practice in one session. A treat for the whole family-whether you are a students of yoga or not- Yoga For Kids is a lovely gift for everyone.

Oh please!
Oh please! These illustrations are AWFUL and the cutsey text and made up names for some of the poses are just dreadful. Do your kids a favor and leave this item in the store. Babar's Yoga For Elephants is a much better bet. If you want your kids to do yoga, sign them up for a good yoga class--don't let them practice at home-they could get hurt. ... Read more

Book Description

Well before yoga became fashionable via Sting and Madonna, the beloved elephant king Babar and all the residents of Celesteville were finding peace and tranquillity through yoga. And now elephants everywhere can join them! Through easy-to-follow instructions and step-by-step illustrations, Babar's Yoga for Elephants presents 15 positions and stretches as well as helpful breathing exercises. The book also provides useful advice on what to do with your trunk while in position, a dilemma that human yoga books often ignore.

Written by Babar himself, the book explains how yoga was introduced to Celesteville and how he and Queen Celeste keep fit doing yoga on their many travels. Including a pull-out poster showing Babar in yoga poses, Babar's Yoga for Elephants is sure to become a classic for elephants as well as their human friends. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

A Darling Book
Hatha Yoga is generally form based. Elephants need to know the "proper" position for their trunks while they perform asanas. The author shows where the trunks should be positioned for maximum effect.

Humans can also follow the book's pictures, sans the trunk positions, and perform a nice hatha class.

Stretch, Breathe, Relax, and Enjoy.....
As Babar earnestly tells us on page one, archaeololgists recently discovered drawings on cave walls of elephants in yoga positions. After much research and study, these scientists came to the conclusion that "not only were elephants capable of performing yoga, it seemed they had invented it." Unfortunately, over many millions of years, this ancient art was forgotten. But now, yoga has once again become popular among elephants, especially in Babar's home of Celesteville. "The life of a modern-day elephant is stressful and complicated. Yoga turned out to be exactly what we in Celesteville needed, offering calm and control in days that were busy and demanding..." Join our friendly and endearing pachyderm as he explains in detailed, easy to follow, step by step instructions and pictures, fifteen yoga exercises. And then join Babar and Celeste on their many travels and adventures as they demonstrate just how they use them. Often they try and match their yoga positions to the things around them. "I think it is a nice way to meditate. This allows us to connect to the world around us." At the Metropolitan Museum of Art Babar posed in the Arm Balance position and looked just like a skyscraper. Paris' Eiffel Tower inspired Proud Warrior, and Venice's Piazza San Marco was the perfect setting for Standing Head to Knee. And at the Golden Gate Bridge, he and Celeste enjoyed doing the Cobra together..... Laurent De Brunhoff's engaging and humorous text begs to be read aloud and shared and is complemented by his playful and entertaining, signature illustrations. Together word and art create a clever how-to picture book, that will have youngsters out of their seats and on their mats, practicing yoga poses and breathing exercises, stretching, and improving their balance and strength. Perfect for kids of all ages, Babar's Yoga For Elephants is a timeless treasure and a sure classic in the years to come. As Babar reminds us on the last page..."Do a little yoga every day. At first you may not notice any difference. But keep it up, and after a few weeks I believe you will feel better in body and spirit. All of us in Celesteville hope that Yoga for Elephants will bring you peace and inner harmony."

My Elephant Aide
After teaching Yoga for 30 years, it's wonderful to have my favorite character Babar, as an aide. I'll use his book as a humorous textbook for my practice.
Thank you dear Babar, I've always admired you.
SUSIe

what a smashing success
I very much enjoyed the adventures of Babar when I was younger. This book has just tickled my fancy and I am ordering one for my yoga teacher and partner. It is well done, entertaining, extremely accurate (how do elephants get into those poses when I can't?) and a great treasure for someone into the practice of yoga. This will be on my list of Eastern-themed gift books to give this Holiday season, along with my other favorite gift book Open Your Mind, Open Your Life by Taro Gold.

Pachyderms Practicing Peaceful Poses
I bought this book after seeing some of its illustrations - a little elephant in red shorts turning a backward sommersault - in a magazine. Written in an endearing, matter-of-fact tone by Babar the elephant, the book begins with Babar's explanation of how it came to be known that elephants are actually capable of doing yoga. In the next several pages, Babar provides the reader with instructions of very basic yoga poses, and he himself illustrates how to do the movements. The illustrations of Babar folding and stretching himself into yoga poses are hysterical and adorable. Babar then takes the poses on the road, while travelling internationally. He uses the yoga to relax and meditate in front of inspiring world famous monuments. This book is fun for children as well as adults. Entertaining, cultural, clever, imaginative and just so darn CUTE. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

An excellent exercise resource for kids!
This is a book kids will love because it makes exercise so fun, so easy and so, well, cool! What kid today doesn't want to learn all the great yoga moves their moms and dads are doing? And with plenty of solid information about what moves work which body parts, great stretching exercises, aerobic activities and a superb workout journal for kids to record their accomplishments on, this is a wonderful tool for improving health. The book's colorful illustrations help kids learn the proper body positions and poses, and the step-by-step instructions are super easy to understand.

This book is perfect for kids from 5 to 15, and even adults who never did yoga before will appreciate the simple, yet detailed directions. Get your floor mats, get on your workout gear, and get in shape, kids. This book will not only make it easy, but fun and exciting at the same time. Who doesn't want to learn how to walk like a bear???

MARIE JONES, (...)

Excellent Coverage For Kids
I Think this book is well put togather, it has a very good insight to childrens thoughts on excersise. Carol Bassett has done a beautiful job on helping children from all ages with her
New Book. She has expressed the value of Yoga & what it can do physically & mentally for any child, I think this book should win an award. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

In the first total-body weight training book for teens, fitness guru Joyce Vedral teaches girls how to use weights to build strong, fit bodies. Targeting specific problems faced by teens-from what to eat in the cafeteria to how to stay healthyat summer camp-Vedral coaches girls through her diet and highly effective weight training workouts with her signature frankness. She discusses the body image issues which often begin in these formative years and teaches girls how to break self-sabotaging habits and establish a healthy mindset. Using her comprehensive diet, with menus included, and an exercise regimen illustrated in black and white photographs, Vedral shows adolescent girls how to use total-body weight training as the key to better health. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

It's been working for me!!!!
This book has really helped me lose weight and be confident. I have lost 10 in about the first month ( 5 of it was those bounds that always go up and down). Now I'm not going to lie, this is not the easiest thing I have done, so far it has taken me longer than 20min everyday and I've beed doing this a little more than a month. I also dont follow the diet. I am eating healthier but i eat what i want sometimes. I suggest to try this book because it has worked for me. just to let you know i am an 14 year old and i was 165 and im down to 155 and still losing after a bit over a month!

Great for all teens!
This book is what teens need: a simple, effective, and non-time consuming workout. It alternates upper and lower body to let muscles revive from the previous day's workout, and includes AWESOME diet tips, detailed exercise info, reasons why you should exercise and myths explained.

If you're having trouble getting through this workout, start easy and build up. For the first week, I did it without weights to learn the movements. And if it's taking any longer than 30 minutes for you, it's probably because you're just beginning and you're taking the time to flip pages, rest a little longer, and make sure you're doing each exercise correctly. Once you have it down, the upper body part (at least) should take only 20 minutes. The lower's harder for me, so it takes longer.

This book is inspirational and it works! I'm in my second week and I can tell a difference already! Plus it's easy and cheap to do at home, requiring minimal space and a few inexpensive dumbbells. Try it, you'll see!

Excellent Work-out!
I bought the "Toning for Teens" book back in February. I started working out on Feburary 15th, using the exercises in the book. It is now May 14th, and I have gone down 2 sizes, and still am getting smaller! Everyone is noticing the difference! This book is amazing!

This WORKS!!
I got this book after it was reccomended by a friend who said it did wonders for her. I'm not that much overweight, but definatly not toned, and had some extra 'baggage'. ;-) I've only been going three weeks, and I love it!!! I've already noticed a difference!! I didn't think there actually were any programs out there that could do this! It does take longer the first few days, but after a week it shouldn't take more than about half an hour, or a little longer for the lower body exercizes if you're *really* out of shape and can't take the crunches and stuff.

Stop worryig about your body TODAY!!!!
I bought this book hoping that it would help me out, so I wouldn't be so self-concious. Well, all I can say is... MONEY WELL SPENT!!!! I LOVE this book, it has truly helped me, and I'm not even through the amount of time the book says it takes to get your ideal body, and I'm already getting compliments! The best part about it is that it only really takes about 30 minutes, and yes, the first few times you go a little more slowly. But I workout while watching my favorite show, so I don't have to give up any time that I would have spent in front of the tv anyway! In all truth, buy this book if you are really worried about your body in any way, it really helps! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Preschool perfection!
A beautifully illustrated book. Accurate and colorful. My class of preschoolers related to it wonderfully, using it as a guide for their own Yoga poses. They invented several and we took pictures to add to this stunning book. This Yoga work interested and calmed some of my more challenging students. Well worth the investment of money and time. Highly recommend.

Took it out from the library, then bought my own copy.
This book is *truly* worthwhile. I took it out from the library (along with a number of other children's yoga books) and found it superior to the rest.

It contains very clear pictures of an object/animal on one page, alonng with a brief comment/question to ask a child, and the other has a child in a similar pose, wearing similar coloured clothing.

There is also suggestions for yoga poses for various aliments, headache, etc.

I am on a *tight* budget, but ordered this book after my first reading of it. What better recommendation do you need?

Buy this book, and everyone at work will think you are cool.

Won a national award from the School Library Journal 1998
This is a fabulous book visually; with large color photos of the animal/object and children in the pose. It is also full of new information and poses created by the author. It won a national award for one of the best children's books of 1998 from the School Library Journal. I highly recommend it!!

excellent
This book is now available. It is a beautiful book with color photos throughout and new poses and games to play. Many poses were created by the author. Children ages 3-12 will enjoy learning new poses from this book. There is also information for teachers and parents. ... Read more

Book Description

Teenagers’ eating habits keep fast-food restaurants flourishing but do little to keep the kids themselves in shape and healthy. Fueling the Teen Machine addresses this problem by presenting teens with the latest information on a wide range of food topics. Using a nonpreachy approach the authors, both registered dietitians, cover everything from carbohydrates and vitamins to eating disorders and vegetarianism, along with the ultimate new frontier for busy teens: cooking it yourself! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Fitness motivator Jake Steinfeld, the man behind Body by Jake, wants topump you up. In his superpositive guide, Jake supplies readers with the toolsfor success in life, asking them to provide the effort and the commitment.Before he even describes the first physical exercise, this relentlessly upbeattrainer urges his new trainees to do some serious mental workouts. Readers areasked to stand in front of a mirror and evaluate how they see themselves,physically and mentally. Throughout, Jake includes dozens of stories ofguys--including himself--who sat around on their "buttisimos" until they startedsetting goals for themselves. Don't worry, it's not all "rapadoo" (motivationalspeak). The center chapter describes in detail the Get Strong Workout, completewith warmup stretches; power, stamina, and strength training; and dailyexercises for abs, shoulders, triceps, back, etc.

For guys who can't abide the gentler Chicken Soup for the TeenageSoul approach to self-help, Body by Jake provides a tough (but caring),masculine (dare we say macho?) alternative. There's good information about diet,steroid use, leadership, and mental health, in addition to the strength- andconfidence-building rapadoo. (Ages 13 and older) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Book Description

Sorting through the mental, physical, and emotional aspects of a girl's life during her teen years, this guide presents positive reasons and practical advice for making fitness a permanent part of her life. As society becomes more accepting of truly athletic women, teen girls are encouraged to overcome a "quitter's mentality" and develop physical confidence and mental toughness. A variety of nutrition tips and fitness facts allow girls to design individual workouts. Also included is information geared toward teens on weight lifting, cardiovascular conditioning, joining a gym, and working out at home. ... Read more

Book Description

Celebrated trainer and the Today show fitness expert Kathy Kaehler is one of Hollywood's most sought-after fitness trainers. What Kathy has done for Julia Roberts, Michelle Pfeiffer, Drew Barrymore, Cindy Crawford, Alfre Woodard, Samuel L. Jackson, Penelope Ann Miller, and Claire Forlani, among many others, she will do for you. Teenage Fitness is your ultimate fitness source. Her mission is to keep you fit for life. Reflecting on her own body image and eating problems as a teenager, Kathy will show you how to have a healthy respect for your body.

Reviews (1)

Great, but not the best
This was a pretty good book it had a lot of information. But I have seen some of the books out there, and this is not the best. I would reccomend this book, and if a teen trying to lose weight or get into better shape, I reccomend this book. ... Read more

Book Description

You've been told how to think "out of the box," and even been told to throw the box away, but really, isn't it time someone taught you how to create your own box in the first place? The Imagineering Workout: Exercises to Shape your Creative Muscles, will do just that, with interactive, ingenious, and practical exercises that will stimulate your imagination, tone your creative muscles, strengthen ideas, and, most importantly, inspire new approaches. The Imagineering Workout is for anyone who wants to learn new ways to problem-solve challenges, whether they're creative, logic-oriented, everyday, or event-inspired.The ingredients Imagineers use are simple and contain a large measurement of fun, which contributes to shapelier thinking and stronger solutions. ... Read more

Book Description

From dance class to the big recital, this interactive book is perfect for aspiring dancers! Complete with a handle and velcro closure, it makes a handy carrying case for the make-believe dance gear inside.

In this book are all the things you need to be a prima ballerina! You can:

• touch the sparkly mini-leotard and tights

• feel the tulle tutu

• remove the paper water bottle, comb, brush, and hairspray

• personalize the ballerina locket

• play with the recital tickets

• look in the pull-out mirror

• open and close the curtains

• smell the pop-up rose bouquet

• and more! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

My 4-year-old daughter is enthralled by this book!
What makes this book great is the manipulatives -- the removable, miniature items like the comb and brush, mirror, lipstick, and so on. The pieces are lightweight cardboard and will perhaps become dog-eared over time, but only with the huge amount of pleasure that they will bestow upon my daughter. She received this book 2 weeks ago as a gift, and although she can read every word of it herself, she asks me to read it to her every night at bedtime. Along with reading it to her, I take out the comb and pretend to brush her hair, open the makeup case and pretend to put blush on her cheeks...we have a lot of fun with pretend play with this book.

This book would be a perfect recital gift for a young ballerina or a sure-to-please birthday gift for any young girl who loves to dance.

Best Book for kids under 5
Gorgeous and educational book for little girls who dream of being a prima ballerina. Fantastic!!!! Highly recommend it. ... Read more

Book Description

Weight Management Program Workbook for Adolescents, ages 12 to 20. Ten sessions support teen's behavior change and develop skills in eating, exercise and psycho-social areas. Over 1/2-million families have used SHAPEDOWN during the past 25 years to help make the changes they need to manage their child's weight.

This book should be ordered with a SHAPEDOWN Parent Guide to Supporting Your Teen. Both are recommended for use with a Licensed SHAPEDOWN Provider, but may also be used for self-care. Call 415-453-8886 for a referral to a Provider in your area. ... Read more

Book Description

Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years, but its surge in popularity among young people is new. I Love Yoga is not a how-to book. It is the book for those who are already hooked, as well as for those who are just curious about this ancient activity.

Ellen Schwartz – author of I’m a Vegetarian – presents the history of yoga, different styles, yoga benefits, concerns, cautions, misconceptions, equipment, and basic postures. There is information for those with physical disabilities and tips on yoga as part of a lifestyle – even for those who do not use the poses – especially to de-stress. Fascinating information is offered in a teen-friendly format. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Yoga for flexibility, fitness, good health and great fun
Accessibly written by yoga practitioner Ellen Schwartz, I Love Yoga: A Guide For Kids And Teens presents basic information about the history and present-day practice of yoga for flexibility, fitness, good health and great fun. Nicely illustrated by Ben Hodson and especially intended for young readers and offering straightforward instructions for learning basic poses, I Love Yoga is an excellent and recommended introduction to the practice of yoga for young readers of all ages and backgrounds. ... Read more

Book Description

If you are one of the millions of high school basketball players who gear up to take the court each season, you know that proper preparation and training are everything. From the forward who needs to crash the boards to the point guard who runs the floor, high school basketball requires a specialized fitness regimen. Now, veteran coach Joe Kolb has the solution to help you play at the top of your game and prevent injury in his new book, Get Fit Now for High School Basketball: The Complete Guide for Ultimate Performance.

Shot on location at one of the nation's top high school basketball programs, Get Fit Now for High School Basketballuses real high school basketball players to demonstrate the exercise program that not only got them on the team but also made them champions. This book helps players of all levels—from novices to varsity stars—get in their best shape both mentally and physically with its unique mixture of aerobic conditioning regimens, speed and agility training, special vision exercises, and practical game day routines.

Designed specifically for boys and girls aged 12 to 18, Get Fit Now for High School Basketball also uses performance evaluations and tips for improving the mental game to ensure that you step onto the court with the confidence to win. It also includes guidelines for safe and effective weight training and nutrition tips to keep you in your best shape, on and off the court.

In a time when more and more high school players are going straight to the NBA, high school basketball is becoming more competitive by the year. Whether you are trying to make the team or help lead it to an undefeated season, Get Fit Now for High School Basketball will help you to achieve the highest possible level of mental and physical readiness. Drawing upon his years of experience, Joe Kolb gives you the training information you need to stay in shape during the off-season, and to be ready for action once play begins.

The second book in the popular Get Fit Now for High School Sports series, this book will score with young athletes everywhere. 200 b/w photos. ... Read more

Book Description

Happy Feet, Healthy Food is a combination of logbook (to record exercise and diet) and a sourcebook for games, activities and eating tips. Each week features bright color illustrations, lists of games and activities to try, advice on good foods, suggestions for packing snacks and lunches, and a log page to write about the activities of each day and the foods eaten. The goal is to promote understanding of the bene-fits of exercise and healthy eating, to improve the child's reading and writing skills, and to foster dialogue with parents. Perfect for use in schools or at home.

Carol Goodrow is the founding -editor of Kidsrunning.com, a Runner's World site, which has won numerous awards for its creative and informative content. She is also an award-winning elementary school teacher in Tolland, Connecticut.

Reviews (1)

Fight the obesity epidemic where it starts
As Amby Burfoot notes in his introduction, we're hearing about the increasingly obese American on a daily basis now, particularly how the problem is starting with our children. Carol Goodrow's solution starts with our children as well, and it is neither overly ambitious nor particularly challenging. It is simply this: teach your kids to eat in a healthy way *every day*, to exercise *every day*, and do it *with them.* Get them in the habit at a young age, show them that an active and healthy lifestyle is fun and enjoyable, and they'll grow up enjoying it.

That said, this isn't a how-to book. It's more like a workbook, and it doesn't ask for much at any one time. It has weekly pages for your children to write down their exercise, fill in their healthy meals, and be creative. It offers pages full of ideas for fun, active things to do outside (you won't find a computer game anywhere in the book) and encourages parents to fill in the pages with their children. Because it is meant to be consumed a little at a time, it encourages and supports positive habits, rather than just making an argument and sending you out on your own.

If you're looking for a good way to encourage healthy habits in your children and yourself, this is almost certainly the best place to start. And if you buy this book now, you might save them buying dozens of "quick-fix," so-called diet books selling weight-loss "secrets," later in life. In that way, it's downright subversive. Who knew? ... Read more

Reviews (2)

My son was entranced!
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

Like an Adult with Creaky Joints . . .
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. ... Read more