BibliographyWong, Janet S. 2007, Twist: Yoga Poems. Ill. by Julie Paschkis. New York. Margaret K. McElderry. ISBN: 0689873948
Plot Summary
Janet Wong has paired up with friend and illustrator, Julie Paschkis to create a beautiful book of poems about Yoga. Wong states in the author's note that she wrote the poems for Julie, who loves Yoga. The book in not intended to teach children yoga-but to create an understanding of the poses and how they got their names.
Critical Analysis
Twist: Yoga Poems is written in free verse and captures the essence of sixteen yoga poses presented with child friendly imagery. Breathing is an essential part of the practice of yoga and is illustrated well in the poem titled Breath: Breath is a broom sweeping your insides. Smooth and slow: You pull scattered bits of dream fluff and heart dust into neat piles. Wong personifies each pose leading to more complete understanding of the yoga poses. For example, Cat/Cow illustrates the movement : "Cat drops her head down to the grass. Who would eat grass when there is milk and cream? Chills run up her hilly spine at the thought."
Twist: Yoga Poems is written in free verse and captures the essence of sixteen yoga poses presented with child friendly imagery. Breathing is an essential part of the practice of yoga and is illustrated well in the poem titled Breath: Breath is a broom sweeping your insides. Smooth and slow: You pull scattered bits of dream fluff and heart dust into neat piles. Wong personifies each pose leading to more complete understanding of the yoga poses. For example, Cat/Cow illustrates the movement : "Cat drops her head down to the grass. Who would eat grass when there is milk and cream? Chills run up her hilly spine at the thought."
Paschkis uses a two page spread for vibrant watercolor illustrations. Children of all ethnicities practice yoga poses however, the artwork and details are uniquely Indian. Rich colors of gold burgundy, deep blue and green are soothing and relaxing. Each poem and illustration is framed and accented with ancient Indian symbols such as vines, paisleys animals and flowers. The poem titled Tree shows the child in the tree pose along with tall, lean trees that "bend and sway"-which is exactly the point of the pose. Readers of all ages will enjoy this unique book of yoga poems.
Review Excerpts
Kirkus The current yoga craze insinuates its way into children’s poetry in this attractively designed volume. Sixteen poems illuminate a variety of yoga attitudes, beginning with “Breath” (“Breath is a broom / sweeping your insides”) and ending with “Twist.” A multicultural cast of happy child yogis stretches and poses its way through the collection, framed in boxes set against mandala-like backgrounds that extend the theme of each given position.
Horn Book Most of the sixteen poems in this book each focus on a particular yoga pose. Wong's verses effectively evoke their subjects, and Paschkis's elegant watercolors swirl with movement. Framed illustrations depict each pose, while animals, people, and related objects border the frame with Indian motifs. Suitable both for readers already familiar with yoga and those just getting started.
Connections
Author's website: http://www.janetwong.com/
Blue Rose Girls review and interview with Janet Wong and Julie Paschkis.
Related Books:
Storytime Yoga: Teaching Yoga to Children Through Story by Sydney Solis
ISBN: 0977706303
My Daddy is a Pretzel: Yoga for Parents and Kids by Baron Baptiste
ISBN: 1841481513
*This particular book has inspired a group of teachers to create a Yoga Club for girls. Our goal is to teach the girls yoga, build self esteem and develop relationships within the school community.
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