Books about Children's Yoga   >   Frog's Breathtaking Speech

Absolutely fantastic book to teach children different ways to breathe. Love it!

Toni

This is a great book. I have used it with my little class of children with special needs in our first adventures into yoga....they love it. Every day they ask 'is it time to do that breathing thing again? Great

Cat x

Michael's years of working with children and yoga and especially in the field of special needs has enabled him to crystallise his wisdom in this little gem of a book. It is clear, intelligent and well-constructed. The story is engaging and adaptable to any kind of classroom activities as well as a great bedtime read. The approach is practical and unfussy, creative and humane. With lovely illustrations and an "altogether now" type refrain, it is the ideal way to introduce children (and the adults who care for them) to the power of the breath to calm the nerves and focus the mind.

Tara Fraser, Director of Yoga Junction and author of Yoga for You and The Easy Yoga Workbook

This book is a great introduction to stress relief for pre-schoolers and elementary aged children and is so usable by both non-practitioners and yoga teachers alike. It can be easily integrated into the classroom for some self-esteem enhancement and mindfulness. This book uses adorable watercolor and ink illustrations to increase children's awareness of their own breath and affects of stress on their bodies, minds and energy and clearly instructs on accessible breathing strategies for all children. A nice bonus is that at the back of the book, there are illustrations for the yoga postures that accompany the breath-work.
I highly recommend this, one of the many awesome books by the dynamic duo of author, Michael Chissick, and illustrator, Sarah Peacock. Together they have filled a void in yoga and mindfulness for children with their picture books that clearly present techniques to reduce stress and increase peace of mind.

Eve Costarelli, USA

'(...) this is the first picture book proper that I have seen dealing with breathing techniques in particular... Well worth seeking out.

Red Reading Hub Blog - Jill Bennett's Reviews of Children's Books

Author and yoga instructor Michael Chissick incorporates traditional pranayama techniques into this charming tale that will appeal to children of all ages.... Chissick's presentation is entertaining, yet practical. Parents and educators will enjoy this creative resource that teaches children how to manage anxiety, anger, and tension.

Yoga International

'This delightful picture book uses breathing techniques to help 'Frog' manage his anxieties about giving a speech. Clear guidance notes from the authors will empower teachers to try these techniques in the classroom or parents to practice at home with their child. Children will love how the story unfolds and the fun they can have developing new skills. Charming illustrations bring the story to life, as Frog seeks guidance and advice from his supportive friends. The book also offers a great opportunity to explore children's feeling connected to their emotions e.g anxiety and feeling scared. Frog's ultimate success in giving his speech ends the story on a positive note, which will inspire children to learn about breathing techniques and how to use them.'

Youth in Mind

'The story - a frog who is trying to overcome his anxieties about giving a speech in front of a large audience - is a highly engaging one, told with impeccable pacing by Michael Chissick and very suitably illustrated by Sarah Peacock. Pitching the tone of this type of book is always tricky, but here I think author, illustrators and publisher have pulled it off really well.'

ACHUKA Book Blog

A fantastic book. My son has always been reluctant to practice yoga with me - until he has seen this book!! He was really interested in the story - and immediately was thinking how other children in his school would be able to apply it to help them with their anger etc. I am wonderfully surprised!

Ishim (Amazon UK)

I've been buying quite a few books recently to try and help my daughter struggling with anxiety. I haven't written a review on any but this one. This is a good book and introduces some simple yoga breathing techniques to children very well. The breathing is introduced as part of the story so it works well. After reading the book you feel more positive and optimistic. Good book well done.

Bluedoor (Amazon UK)

As a school counsellor, teaching relaxation to children is a big part of helping them cope! I have tried loads of different fun ways to do teach breathing skills which have using bubbles, and windmills. My supervisor recommended this book to me and I am so excited about it!! I can't wait to use this in school and have a group of children in mind!! What I really love is that not only does the book help kids to learn to calm themselves, its fun!!! I also love the fact that there is a guidance page for adults with some top tips on it!! Thank you for this book, I am sure it will be well used!!

Tracey (Amazon UK)

This book enabled a child who had been on the brink of exclusion to find one strategy that he could use to calm himself. He could do 'crocodile breathing' without anyone knowing. He is happily moving into the next year group as a very different boy.

Evelyn (Amazon UK)

I would recommend this book to all parents and teachers. I work with children and they are totally hooked with the story after the very first page. We love all the breathing techniques and have great fun doing them altogether. It is amazing how learning the different ways to breathe can help with unpleasant feelings that we are going through. The illustrations are beautifully drawn and the way it is written is remarkable. well done to all. Love it.xxx

Tanya (Amazon UK)

My 2.5 year old absolutely loves Frog's Breathtaking Speech and asks for it every night before she goes to bed. Within a few days of reading the book she started copying the different breathing sounds for each character - her favourite is definitely the humming bee! It's such a lovely story for children of all ages, whether used for teaching yoga or just as a great story book. Looking forward to follow up book.

Rose Petal (Amazon UK)

This book is terrific. I teach yoga so very good to get children involved with the breath really great. Thank you

Sarah (Amazon UK)

I am using this with my own very Autistic teenage child with very challenging behaviour and the wood chopper breath, in particular really helps. In the run up to Christmas I even tried it myself and found it effective. All those I have shown it to have been impressed, one person is going to use it at a pre school!

SciFi Addict (Amazon UK)

I've been using this book for my son, to help him to manage his emotions.Now at his school, they're going to introduce the book to the class, teach the children the different poses and have a copy of the book in the school.This book is a fantastic tool !!

Laetitia (Amazon UK)

The story was great and the breathing techniques easy to follow. My son found it helped with going to sleep. I can also use this for working with other children as it was very accessible.


EM (Amazon UK)

This is a fun interactive book that tells an engaging story that children can understand and relate to.A book to be read again and again and again!

T Proctor (Amazon UK)

Truly excellent book! I teach yoga and also have two young sons so when I heard about the book I thought I'd give it a go. I was delighted. My children love the story and it was also really well received as a story for my children's yoga class. The kid's loved acting out the different charactors and at the end of the class were able to tell me which breathing technique they would use in a veriety of different situations, from boosting confidence to calming down. I would very highly recommend this book to parents and teachers. Can't wait for the next one!

Jane (Amazon UK)

I have used this book doing mental health therapy so many times I can't count. Both for adults and kids. It's simple, to the point and easy to remember. I have seen those practicing the techniques as the story is read begin to unwind, yawn and relax. I would recommend it to anyone who struggles with calming, anger, stress etc. who wants to feel better- young and old alike.

Amazon USA

I am a librarian and yoga teacher. This book is perfect for teaching pranayama for kids of all ages. I use it in all my yoga workshops.

Sarah (Amazon USA)