Anna and Her Rainbow Colored Yoga Mats

posted on September 20, 2016 by Eve Panzer
Anna and Her Rainbow Colored Yoga Mat

This title is one of about 10 books in the Yoga Kids Stories. These books integrate yoga poses into stories that provide information, about animals, other countries and often present educational concepts such as shapes, colors and seasons. Some titles in the series teach life lessons such as embracing diversity. The author, Giselle Shardlow, uses her educational expertise from her Masters of International Education; her eight years of experience teaching grades K-5 in Guatemala, Australia, Canada and United States; and her certification as a yoga instructor to bring multiple layers of learning to each book. Each title is a rich experience, creating various educational applications for both school and home.

The yoga component itself is a wonderful tool. Many educators and parents use yoga to help children calm themselves. As an adult who has recently started yoga, I truly understand how effective yoga can be to reduce stress. Yoga is an easy and effective tool to help children in dealing with their emotions and stresses. Each book contains helpful endnotes to guide the parent or educator to safely and successfully introduce yoga to children and making it a more meaningful and enjoyable experience for everyone.

But in addition to the yoga component, this story includes some academic concepts as well as emotional intelligence. While math and colors are part of the story, even more important life lessons are introduced. Anna is the new student at her school. But in addition to that she wears a hearing aid and does yoga. All of these differences could be very isolating – and at first they are. However, Anna’s positive attitude and self-confidence help to draw first one, then many of her schoolmates into her circle of friends. Diversity of all types is embraced in this story. There is much to learn and discuss in this deceivingly simple looking book! (This book is also available in Spanish.)[perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]
“As a retired school librarian, I appreciate books which can be used to introduce multiple ideas. And engaging stories such as these have been proven to be a successful way to introduce students to concepts.” -quoted in the Kids Yoga Stories Newsletter [/perfectpullquote]

The author has done an expert job at packing a variety of knowledge into bright, cheerful picture books. I sell the Yoga Kids Stories in my personal book business at book fairs and educational conferences (www.barefootlibrarian.com). I highly recommend this book in the Yoga Kids Stories series.

*Anna and Her Rainbow Colored Yoga Mats

Author: Giselle Shardlow
Illustrator: Paul Wrangles
Publisher:  CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Publication Date: 2012
Format: Paperback
*Price: $11.95
Ages: 3 – 7 years

EDUCATOR’S Tips, Correlations, Connections, Resources

IB Themes/Units of Inquiry: How We Express Ourselves: Colors and Our Five Senses

IB Attributes: Confidence; Curiosity; Cooperation; Empathy; Independence; Integrity; Respect; Tolerance.

Emotional Intelligence:  Diversity; Special Needs

Math: Counting the different yoga poses; counting the different colored mats; counting the number of children in the story.

Activity: Yoga poses

*Links to purchase books may result in the Barefoot Librarian receiving a commission (at no additional cost to you). I appreciate your support of my business.

 

Raves & Praise from authors and educators about Eve Panzer, the Barefoot Librarian.

Eve Panzer has displayed her wonderful books at several of our Early Childhood events. Our teachers are always excited to see the age appropriate materials she provides.

-Jacquie Porter, Early Childhood Director, Austin ISD

A favorite resource we use everyday in our preschool is a beautiful book! We love to share the joy and excitement of engaging stories to help the children make deep connections to their exploration and learning. The Barefoot Librarian offers THE best selection of books in a full range of topics and targeted age groups to appeal to children of all ages.

-Community School Director, Four Seasons

Eve, the Barefoot Librarian has done a wonderful job at hand-selecting books for my three children, ages 3.5, 4.5 and 7. She considered their interests and reading levels in her selection of 23 titles. Some are bi-lingual, which is ideal since they are learning Spanish and English at the same time. All of the books are beautiful and some come with audio CDs, which they love listening to while having the book on their lap as we commute to school. What a wonderful way to get new books!

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“I was the lucky recipient of a review from Eve Panzer for my debut picture book, SUMO JOE. Not only was her review timely, but she also got to the core of the book and really understood what it was all about. Her blog posts not only look beautiful but are well written and help readers find books for their needs. I highly recommend Eve’s book review services!”

-Mia Wejen – Co-founder of the MultiCultural Children’s Book Day and author of children’s books, including Sumo Joe and the Barefoot Books title Food for the Future, which has received rave reviews from the School Library Journal and Kirkus Reviews.

“Eve, the Barefoot Librarian provided me with an excellent service. Being a first-time author, it is a challenge to get your foot in the door and I was really pleased with the process. Not only was it a well thought out and wonderful review, but Eve is lovely and very prompt with her communication. Thank you for a job well done.”

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Eve Panzer wrote a wonderful review for my debut middle grade novel. I was thrilled at how detailed and thorough the review was. In fact, it has helped me so much as I have sent this review to schools and educators so they can get a good idea of what my book is about. I am so grateful to Eve for her deep insight and analysis of my book. I highly recommend her services to any author looking to get a book review.

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“An author is always nervous to see a review of their book, especially their first book. When I read Eve Panzer’s (the Barefoot Librarian) review of my debut picture book Walkout, I immediately relaxed as I saw her deep connection to the core of the story. She truly understood the character relationships, problem, and message of the book. In addition, Eve’s correspondence was timely, efficient, and professional. I look forward to seeking her expertise and experience for future children’s books.”

-Tina M. Shepardson, Author of WALKOUT

“I was honored to receive a Barefoot Librarian Book Review as an award from this year’s Reader View’s Reviewers Choice awards. I was especially pleased that David’s ADHD was selected, since my greatest hope for the book was to have it shared in libraries so that it is available to all.” “I found her review to be insightful and extremely helpful in presenting the book, including helpful quotes from the book and well as providing encouraging and perceptive comments. I am hoping to use her reviewing service again for future books!”

-Sherrill S. Cannon, Award-Winning Author of David’s ADHD

“As an author, I feel like there’s nothing more rewarding than when grownups really get my message and what I’m trying to portray in the story. Eve Panzer is one of those gems who has been a huge champion for our yoga stories, which are a little outside the box, combining literacy and movement. Her reviews are hugely comprehensive, and it’s clear that she spends quality time getting to know the books and the authors. It was an honor to have one of our first yoga books reviewed by Eve, and I highly recommend her services!”

-Giselle Shardlow, Author and Owner of KidsYogaStories.com

Eve Panzer, The Barefoot Librarian, provided an outstanding, valuable review of my children’s book, My Chickens Lay Eggs. Her professional review was written in a comprehensive, yet concise, manner. Most importantly, it specifically highlighted aspects of the book considered relevant to my reader and buyer audiences. I sincerely appreciate the thoughtful time and effort put into the final product and highly recommend her services.

-Sherry Crelin, Author of My Chickens Lay Eggs

Thank you so much for your comprehensive review of Dr. Rosie Helps the Animals …! Your review pointed out the many lessons hidden and not so hidden in the book, which is a bonus for a story that, on the surface, seems relatively simplistic.  Thank you also for including pertinent facts and safety information from the back matter page in your review.

-Rebecca Leopold Publicist, Waterbear Publishing

This is fantastic; thank you so much! Your review really captures everything we love about this title.

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