Good Morning Yoga by Mariam Gates illustrated by Sarah Jane Hinder

Good Morning Yoga: A Pose by Pose Wake Up Story written by Mariam Gates and illustrated by Sarah Jane Hinder is a sweet new book that teaches Yoga to the very young.  It does so by incorporating yoga poses into a little story filled with imagination.  Last fall I recommended another children's yoga book called I Am Yoga. At that time I had only taken one yoga class myself.  Since then I have been taking classes run by my sister in law. I have found them to be very soothing and inspiring.  I have another friend who teaches yoga to children.  When I found Good Morning Yoga I thought of her.  This is a perfect companion book to I Am Yoga.  I love the soothing way this new book is written.  Each pose is written as a little adventure.  I personally liked Mountain Pose and the way Downward Facing Dog is presented.  In today's world children tend to not get up and move as much as they should. This would be a perfect practice for a child first thing in the morning or anytime.  A way for them to stretch and move in a gentle manner.  At the end of the book there is even a bit about meditation....which can be very calming.  I think any book that instills a feeling of calm and focus can only be a good thing.  At the link there are additional links to videos of the book...Something to enjoy!

All We Know by Linda Ashman illustrated by Jane Dyer

I love Springtime!The days are longer and the earth smells sweet. Spring brings the promise of new things.

All We Know by Linda Ashman and illustrated by Jane Dyer shows that same promise of the beauty of Spring.  Jane Dyer's illustrations always touch my heart and make me feel warm and fuzzy. They also remind me of my niece when she was little.  My niece has a little boy of her own now and so they remind me of him too.  The sweet illustrations combined with Linda Ashman's tender prose make a perfect match.  I love this new book.  It is the perfect read aloud for either a story time or bedtime.  It is more than just a story of a mother's love for her child but it is the story of the beauty of the natural world around us.  A perfect new baby gift.

The Tree in the Courtyard: Looking Through Anne Frank's Window by Jeff Gottesfeld illustrated by Peter McCarty

It is March so it is Women's History Month. Today is also International Women's Day. I thought it would be appropriate to write about a girl who never got the chance to grow up and become the woman she was meant to be. Her memory has inspired many by her example and story.

The Tree in the Courtyard: Looking Through Anne Frank's Window by Jeff Gottesfeld and illustrated  by Peter McCarty is the touching story of Anne Frank as told by the tree that stood outside the Annex where she hid.  I love the concept of this book.  I remember reading about the tree (yes it was real) when it fell during a storm.  Anne Frank mentions the tree three times in her diary.  I love how Jeff Gottesfeld has poignantly written this picture book from the perspective of the tree.  Mr McCarty's illustrations are also such a beautiful match to the poetic words that we cannot help but truly see Anne Frank from a different stand point.  This is a wonderful way to introduce a difficult subject to a younger audience.  A must have new book....