The Three Little Yogis and the Wolf Who Lost His Breath
by Susan Verde
illustrated by Jay Fleck
Date: 2020
Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library
A calming spin on a classic fairy tale from #1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Verde
Once upon a time there lived a wolf who lost his huff and his puff. It was a BIG, BAD problem! One morning, the wolf came upon a peaceful little yogi doing sun salutations. The wolf wanted to huff and puff and blooow her hut down into a big pile of straw. But instead the yogi suggested, “Let’s meditate on that!”
Soon the wolf met a second yogi, and then a third. He may have lost his huff and puff—but with the help of three new yogi friends, can the wolf find his breath?
(synopsis from Goodreads)
Yoga books for kids can be hit or miss. This one, framed by the story of the Three Little Pigs, is fairly strong. It teaches kids some basic breathing techniques (as well as a bit of yoga) so they can help regulate themselves when they feel like huffing and puffing and blowing something down.
The story follows the structure of the original fairy tale quite well, although the twist is that the wolf is our hero. Sometimes he gets angry, though, and then he huffs and puffs and blows things down. This doesn't make him very popular. One day, he loses his huff and puff, and it's up to a trio of friendly yogis (who also happen to be pigs) to teach him how to reclaim his breath... in a healthy way.
The illustrations are basic, but very colourful and kind of cute. They work well with the simple story. I also like the fact that the third little pig uses they/them pronouns; it's a cute touch that helps the book feel a little more inclusive.
Overall, this is a nice little picture book. Be sure to check out the notes at the end for more breathing and yoga exercises.
Quotable moment:
Premise: 4/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 4/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 5/5
Enjoyment: 4/5
Overall: 4 out of 5
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