My Daddy Is a Pretzel : Yoga for Parents and Kids

by Baron Baptiste

Limber up with this unique, child-friendly yoga book! Created for parents and children to share together, but also suitable for adults and older children to use alone, My Daddy is a Pretzel not only introduces a range of postures, it also connects the practices to everyday life, showing how families can integrate their yoga with their activities in the world. A light-hearted look at yoga, yet one with a lasting message, My Daddy is a Pretzel is a wonderful introduction to yoga for readers of all shapes and sizes.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Nonfiction, Parenting, Sports, Family, Realistic Fiction

48 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

So cute! Does incorporate some more advanced poses like fish and plow, but otherwise really great for all ages. There is a story component, but also full page illustrations of the poses described within. Ideal for preschoolers or older.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not much of a story, but my seven year old enjoyed doing the poses along with the book. Her daddy tried (but he is most definitely NOT a pretzel). Good for kids interested in yoga.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's no real plot, but this is a nice introduction to yoga (9 specific poses) for children.

[Rachel Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so great! It goes through the story of a teacher asking each student what their parent does. Each career is compared with a different yoga pose. It then has instructions on how to do the pose, as well as the benefits of the pose. Published in 2004.

[Rani · Rating 3 out of 5]

A popular introduction to #yoga without the context of the #culture or place it came from or mention of #Sanskrit. Kid friendly asanas readers can try.

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stinking cute and lively.

[WF · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous illustrations of yoga positions for kids and their parents.

[Amy Sands · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorable book that teaches yoga in a fun way.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a nice way for kids to get to know more about yoga.

[Katie Karnehm-Esh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun way to teach kids yoga.

[Sownbrooklyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

In My Daddy Is a Pretzel: Yoga for Parents and Kids parent and children are taught yoga poses and their names within a narrative story. Children tell the reader a little about what their parent does (Vet, gardener) and we are given a corresponding yoga pose. A little bit of the basic philosophy behind each pose is given, though I'm not sure how much of this actually reaches young readers. They will more easily identify and become engaged with the children talking about what their parents do for a living, the delightful illustrations depicting the yoga poses and attempting to copy the positions shown. There are likely better books to truly impart an understanding of yoga. But for beginners it can be a cool resource to get both parents and children started on their yoga journey.

[Children's Literature Project]

This is an informative book on yoga for young readers. It teaches 9 yoga poses with a bright cartoon style. It is written from the perspective of a classroom, each student telling what their paret does for a living and matched with a yoga pose (example: veterinarian - downward facing dog). According to School Library Journal this book is suitable for children from Kindergarten through grade 2. As much as I enjoyed it, I would use this book cautiously in a public school. Parents may see yoga as a conflict with their religious beliefs. However if there are no real concerns, I would assign this book at the beginning of the year as a read aloud to discuss in class. Then use the exercises listed in the book when students are not able to focus.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an introduction to yoga for children. However, adults will find it useful and informative. The teacher talks about parents' careers and how they relate to yoga. For instance, one child says his parents are vets and this relates to the dog pose that is illustrated. The book is simple to understand. I like to relationships between careers and poses. It makes yoga appear child and adult friendly.

[Miz Lizzie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great book for teaching yoga to young children though it would have been much better if it had just stuck to that and not tried to make a story out of it. The narrative is so simple, it will engage only the youngest (infants, toddlers) of children, while the children who would really enjoy doing the poses (preschoolers on up) won't get anything out of the story (such as it is). Still, the poses and the information about yoga are engaging and a nice basic introduction.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I particularly like books that depicts different aspects of life and I enjoy reading and doing yoga with Nakyla. I think some of the poses in the book were chosen because of their name and therefore how they could connect it to a profession. They aren't all the best yoga poses for teaching children beginning yoga. I wish they listed other poses in the back, even if they couldn't fit them into the story line.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent yoga book for children! Alice loves doing yoga with me. This book was introduced at a children's yoga class we attended together. Children are discussing what their mothers do for work. One child follows up each comment with statements like, "My daddy is a tree" or "My daddy is a fish." Then, it shows the father in the yoga pose the child has named. You can practice the poses as you read the book. Super fun!

[Gail Ledford · Rating 5 out of 5]

My niece got to hear this book being read during story time at our local library and she had a great time! All of the kids had a wonderful time attempting to do all of the yoga poses within the book (they are just little kids after all!) There was certainly lots of little kid giggling going on and everyone had a great time (my niece included!) I would definitely recommend this book as one that both parent and child could read (and do!) together.

[Marlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic! It tells a fun/funny story for the kids, shows a variety of poses, with step by step instructions, and even has extra stuff at the end (yoga tips for kids, etc). The story is a great way to capture the attention of very young children. And the poses are perfect for all ages, including adults. Amazing!

[Miss Pippi the Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Children at yoga class share their parent's occupation. A yoga pose reflects that occupation. We read a page then did the poses just like the book is written. I didn't feel confident about the plow pose, so I didn't do it, but some brave listeners did pose for everyone.

2016 storytime theme: yoga

Reviewed from a library copy.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book for the kids. They really loved the pictures and practicing the postures. Awesome book to have in the collection. Talks about family, profession and health. Good combination of ideas, colors and concepts. Love it.

[Brent · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this with my daughter, who enjoys how yoga connects to work and play, like her music class. Teaching examples include families, their work, and playful illustrations. Even if there is a surplus of children’s yoga books out there, Baptiste captures the interest of the whole family.

[Christopher Bergeron · Rating 4 out of 5]

oh my gosh this book is so cute. liam brought this one home from yoga and we read each page together then did the pose. i felt so inspired i subscribed to a bunch of zen podcast and am now totally into this..... thanks liam

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for teachers and/or parents that want to introduce yoga to their children. Yoga poses with instructions and illustrations as to how to do them are interwoven into the story. A great book!

[Margie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A child's first book of yoga or a great introduction for adults who are just venturing into this form of exercise and meditation. There are poses in this book I'm convinced only children could do as I sure can't see myself getting myself into some positions.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Multicultural children and parents show off their flexibility through a range of more advanced poses. Clear, step-by-step illustrations and instructions make this a good book for parents who want to share the fun of yoga with their children. Recommended for ages 5+.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The girls really liked this book. We read it and did the yoga almost every night and they were sad when I had to return it to the library. I understand that there is a set of yoga flash cards by the author. I'll have to look for those.

[A.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this would be a great book to read to students. It addresses family life and different types of jobs, such as a yoga instructor. I think it would be fun for you and your class to try out some of the poses as you read.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is also a popular book in our house...though in the sense of full disclosure, Matt does not do yoga. : )

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for Kids Yoga. It goes with a set of cards. Simple explanation of poses and relates to everyday life.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book, it is such a great and fun way to expose kids to yoga. Both the illustrations and the text are great.