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Book Review
The Donut Yogi
Written by Sjoukje Kay
Illustrated by Ariela Vita
2006
In this children's book, The Donut Yogi, we see a celebration
of life through the practice of yoga by Mama and her daughter,
Lulubob.
In clear and very upbeat language, and through a series of bright,
imaginative, and extremely colorful drawings, Mama demonstrates
six asanas and describes meditation to Lulubob—that it is
the quiet space within a person. She describes, too, how OM is
nature's very own sound.
Lulubob's persistent questions are answered or, actually, acted
out by her loving and patient mother. Their camaraderie increases,
as well as Lulubob's sense of participation in her mother's yoga
practice. There is a special cause of celebration at the end of
the story!
The book promotes dialogue on many levels, through the text and
the illustrations. The artwork, by Ariela Vita, is upbeat and
engaging. The gorgeous colors especially will help to pull people
—young people included—into the story, and to recognize
that the world is a very colorful and vibrant place, to which
yoga helps us attune. In the text, by Sjoukje Kay, Mama communicates
in ways that Lulubob clearly understands. Lulubob's excitement
and enthusiasm is indeed contagious, as she continues to ask her
questions.
And so, the instruction proceeds, with dialogue itself as a
key lesson. There is dialogue between the person and their own
body through yoga. And there is dialogue between the person and
nature as expressed in the asanas, whose very names are drawn
from nature, as the pose of the tree and that of the camel. Ultimately,
love is a key lesson of The Donut Yogi—the loving
communication among family members and people in general; love
of learning, and communion between humans and the world of nature.
These are among the abiding human values. This message are clearly
but unobtrusively taught in this delightful book.
The Donut Yogi is indeed a treat for children of all
ages, and adult children too. Visit www.thedonutyogi.com.
Reviewed by Paul Dolinsky
editor@thegoldenlantern.com
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