Fearne Cotton (text), Sheena Dempsey (illus), Yoga Babies, New Frontier Publishing, Feb 2018, 24pp., $24.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781925594072
The Yoga Babies love stretching and having fun any time, any place. The reader can follow these healthy, happy toddlers as they do their favourite yoga poses. This bright picture book invites the reader to try them too. My 6 year old granddaughter couldn’t resist springing to the floor to have a go. The many toddlers are introduced on the front endpapers as they check in for Baby Yoga class. The various families find time to do some yoga sometime throughout the day, at home, in the garden or in the park. On the back endpapers the toddlers demonstrate their different poses, acting as a ready reference for keen participants. The text is simple and lively. The author talks directly to the reader, bringing them in to the story. The wonderful illustrations are colourful and inclusive – so many unique, happy children and families are represented. This book promotes an active lifestyle without being didactic. The author believes that families from all backgrounds can improve their health and mental well-being and it needn’t be expensive, time-consuming or difficult. Recommended for 3-6 year olds.
Reviewed by Sharon Seymour
