School Library Journal Review

PreS-Gr 4-This fun tape goes down on the farm and teaches kids some beginning yoga poses. The program teaches poses named for animals and plants. Max Thomas stars as "Yogi Oki Doki." Thomas, a gifted yoga teacher who emphasizes safety and fun, is joined by animal characters, Rasta the Rooster and How Now the Moooo Cow, and a multicultural cast of boys and girls who are ready to "play yoga." Thomas explains that yoga is a form of exercise, but while exercise makes the body stronger, yoga makes the body smarter because while doing yoga you concentrate on thinking about breathing and the placement of your arms, legs, and head. The day on the farm begins with some stretching. Animals are emulated including the cat, dog, and lizard. Thomas then puts the poses together into the sun salutation, a basic yoga routine. After the stretches, a song reminds children to think about their breathing. Then it's time to plant crops, which involves some more stretching. Then the children become the plants and practice some balance poses: the tomato, broccoli tree, corn and a twisting pea vine. This is followed by some back bends and then a cool down of forward bends. Finally, the children form a flower and are encouraged to practice relaxation. Twenty-five postures are presented and, if practiced, they will create strength, flexibility, stamina and balance. Parents are encouraged to join their children in the workout, but adult participation is not mandatory. One pose requires a partner, but the rest of the program could be performed individually. The video is appropriate for school or public libraries looking for something a little different to get kids moving!-Stephanie G. Miller, Boulder City Library, NV (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.