Yoga in Action

Children's Literature

As an introduction, this "Sports in Action" series title (others include Badminton in Action, Judo in Action, and Wrestling in Action) offers more than the usual rationale and how-to pages. An opening chapter provides a brief definition, an overview of what is meant by the different kinds of yoga, and even a little history, mentioning the ancient Hindu philosopher Patanjali and his sutras on the subject. Lifestyle, basics, and the mind-body connection are explored in subsequent chapters, followed by details of specific common hatha yoga poses. Sidebars address the balance of healthful practices for a "yoga lifestyle," as well as points related to breathing and meditation, pace, and relaxation. As is often the case in such books, "rest and relaxation" is the phrase used to euphemistically delineate the traditional Shavasana or "corpse" pose. Surprisingly, given the earlier emphasis on historical origins, traditional Sanskrit names are not provided for the actual poses. They are, however, described clearly and accurately. Each pose is also accompanied by photographs of both the animal/object for which it is named, and of young people demonstrating it. A glossary and index round out the book reviewed here in paperback edition. 2005, Crabtree, and Ages 7 to 10.
—Uma Krishnaswami