Transports young readers to a magical world where they learn to overcome negative emotions and move dynamically through their feelings by using yoga, meditation and self-love. Simultaneous eBook. Illustrations. - (Baker & Taylor)
"A sequence of 15 yoga poses and affirmations to help young readers process negative emotions, move through their feelings, and be at peace in their bodies"-- - (Baker & Taylor)
“A vibrantly illustrated book that offers readers empowering affirmations”—Gabi Garcia, author of Listening to My Body
An inclusive, empowering, and uplifting picture book about yoga, meditation, and coming home to self-love for children ages 4-8, especially girls of color
In every situation I can blossom. Breathing in and breathing out, I know...I AM PEACEFUL.
Beautifully and brightly illustrated, My Heart Flies Open takes readers on a yoga journey of mindful reflection, self-discovery, and self-love. Starting with Easy Pose ("I AM LOVE") and moving through Mountain Pose ("I AM STILLNESS"), Triangle Pose ("I AM ME"), and more, My Heart Flies Open guides young readers through a grounding sequence of 15 yoga poses and affirmations.
More than just another yoga or mindfulness book, My Heart Flies Open transports young readers to a magical world where they learn to overcome negative emotions and move dynamically through their feelings--shining bright and connecting to the peace, laughter, love, grounding, and spirit that live inside all along.
With every yoga pose, each breath in, and each breath out, My Heart Flies Open brings young readers home to themselves: they are life, love, joy, and kindness; bold, fierce, peaceful, and whole. Written for children, and especially girls of color, ages 4 - 8. - (Random House, Inc.)
OMILEYE ACHIKEOBI-LEWIS is a mother, counselor, writer, artist, mindfulness teacher, kid's yoga teacher, Reiki Master, and fifth generation Vision Keeper. She is a SEED Diversity trainer and gives talks on mindfulness, indigenous wisdom, and their power to create peace in our world, communities, and school systems. Achikeobi-Lewis is the co-founder of YeyeOsun: The Institute of Sacred Balance and has worked for Asheville City public and charter schools, Winthrop College community counseling clinic, and Catawba Mental Health. She has collaborated with the UN on their international Post Sustainable water agenda and was invited to be a part of the UN Interfaith WASH Alliance. She loves helping kids and adults find the magic of the story within, the enchantment of cultures, the spell-binding power of the planet we live on, and the healing power of peace. - (Random House, Inc.)
Booklist Reviews
With the growing interest in teaching children mindfulness skills, this book is sure to garner attention from teachers, therapists, and parents. Each page depicts a serene young person in a yoga pose, with the accompanying text describing the feelings that pose can instill. The text guides the reader into the poses with simple clarity so that a reader might visualize and then try them: "I stand with my hands pointing toward the sunny sky. With one foot on my ankle or calf, I rest in Tree Pose." A reminder to breathe in and out threads through like the mantra it is meant to be. From a physical perspective, the poses are sequenced like a practice, starting with resting poses and moving to more complex ones, vinyasas, and back to resting pose. This is instructive without being pedantic. The tone is gentle, like a yoga teacher's, channeling the author's experience in yoga and mindfulness. Bright, fanciful illustrations add whimsy and imagination. Grades K-3. Copyright 2021 Booklist Reviews.
Kirkus Reviews
Mindfulness, affirmations, and yoga instructions form the text of this uplifting, "fantastical trip." Beginning with the breath, the confident, first-person narrator knows "I am love" and sits resting in Easy Pose. From there, each page turn introduces ways to manage feelings and use the breath, the mind, and affirmations to know "I am stillness," "I am life," "I am bold," and "I am grateful." All the while, the text moves readers through yoga poses that embody the thoughts expressed. Facing each page of text is a colorful illustration of a Black child in the yoga pose described, floating in space, cresting a wave, releasing butterflies, nose to nose with a dolphin, or surrounded by hearts. The child's contented face, with eyes closed and smiling slightly, and the energy that emanates from the simple lines, shapes, and colors will attract young readers to the pages. The affirmations, set apart with a larger, colored display type, will become familiar, comforting refrains taking up space for positivity and setting a standard of self-care for readers. Achikeobe-Lewis' lyrical prose and visual art combine to offer a beautiful experience of mindfulness and movement perfect for meaningful time between children and caregivers that will feed the spirits of both. Breathe, get comfortable, give and take the gift of time with this journey. (Picture book. 4-9) Copyright Kirkus 2021 Kirkus/BPI Communications. All rights reserved.
