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Twist: Yoga Poems
Come explore yoga in a new way with TWIST,
a collection of sixteen original poems sure to inspire even the youngest yogi! Feel the damp soil beneath you as Cobra, and grab hold of a star as Half-Moon. From Low Crow to Eagle and from Triangle to Tree, yoga comes alive with Janet S. Wong's artful creativity. Add vibrant illustrations by Julie Paschkis, and each pose is no longer simply a stretching position, but a picture and a story that will exercise the imagination as well as the body.
a collection of sixteen original poems sure to inspire even the youngest yogi! Feel the damp soil beneath you as Cobra, and grab hold of a star as Half-Moon. From Low Crow to Eagle and from Triangle to Tree, yoga comes alive with Janet S. Wong's artful creativity. Add vibrant illustrations by Julie Paschkis, and each pose is no longer simply a stretching position, but a picture and a story that will exercise the imagination as well as the body.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published February 27, 2007
57 people want to read
About the author
Janet S. Wong
49 books31 followersJanet S. Wong was born in Los Angeles, and grew up in Southern and Northern California. As part of her undergraduate program at UCLA, she spent her junior year in France, studying art history at the Université de Bordeaux. When she returned from France, Janet founded the UCLA Immigrant Children's Art Project, a program focused on teaching refugee children to express themselves through art.
After graduating from UCLA, summa cum laude, with a B.A. in History and College Honors, Janet then obtained her J.D. from Yale Law School, where she was a director of the Yale Law and Technology Association and worked for New Haven Legal Aid. After practicing corporate and labor law for a few years for GTE and Universal Studios Hollywood, she made a dramatic career change—choosing to write for young people instead. Her successful switch from law to children’s literature has been the subject of several articles and television programs, most notably an O Magazine article, a "Remembering Your Spirit" segment on "The Oprah Winfrey Show," and the Fine Living Channel’s "Radical Sabbatical."
Janet's poems and stories have been featured in many textbooks and anthologies, and also in some more unusual venues. Poems from Behind the Wheel have been performed on a car-talk radio show. "Albert J. Bell" from A Suitcase of Seaweed was selected to appear on 5,000 subway and bus posters as part of the New York City Metropolitan Transit Authority's "Poetry in Motion" program, and was later highlighted on the Hallmark Channel’s "New Morning" show. And, in April 2003, Janet was one of five children’s authors invited to read at The White House Easter Egg Roll.
Janet and her books have received numerous awards and honors, such as the International Reading Association's "Celebrate Literacy Award" for exemplary service in the promotion of literacy, and the prestigious Stone Center Recognition of Merit, given by the Claremont Graduate School. Janet also has been appointed to two terms on the Commission on Literature of the National Council of Teachers of English.
Janet currently resides near Princeton, NJ, with her husband Glenn and her son Andrew.
After graduating from UCLA, summa cum laude, with a B.A. in History and College Honors, Janet then obtained her J.D. from Yale Law School, where she was a director of the Yale Law and Technology Association and worked for New Haven Legal Aid. After practicing corporate and labor law for a few years for GTE and Universal Studios Hollywood, she made a dramatic career change—choosing to write for young people instead. Her successful switch from law to children’s literature has been the subject of several articles and television programs, most notably an O Magazine article, a "Remembering Your Spirit" segment on "The Oprah Winfrey Show," and the Fine Living Channel’s "Radical Sabbatical."
Janet's poems and stories have been featured in many textbooks and anthologies, and also in some more unusual venues. Poems from Behind the Wheel have been performed on a car-talk radio show. "Albert J. Bell" from A Suitcase of Seaweed was selected to appear on 5,000 subway and bus posters as part of the New York City Metropolitan Transit Authority's "Poetry in Motion" program, and was later highlighted on the Hallmark Channel’s "New Morning" show. And, in April 2003, Janet was one of five children’s authors invited to read at The White House Easter Egg Roll.
Janet and her books have received numerous awards and honors, such as the International Reading Association's "Celebrate Literacy Award" for exemplary service in the promotion of literacy, and the prestigious Stone Center Recognition of Merit, given by the Claremont Graduate School. Janet also has been appointed to two terms on the Commission on Literature of the National Council of Teachers of English.
Janet currently resides near Princeton, NJ, with her husband Glenn and her son Andrew.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 9, 2019
Successful and enchanting. I would love to actually do yoga with my child, and if we had, we would esp. like this book.
July 27, 2007
Beautifully written. Amazing illustrations. My favorite kid friend in Connecticut loved it.
March 17, 2016
Yoga (2007) Written by Janet S. Wong and Illustrated by Julie Paschkis
This picture book is a collection of sixteen original poems about yoga. It includes poems about different yoga positions like down dog, cobra, and warrior. Throughout the picture book, figurative language is used to portray yoga as beautiful and powerful.
• The pictures in this picture book are drawn with thick lines, emphasizing the strength of yoga. Many of the pictures are framed with different shapes like triangles, squares, and rectangles, as well. This works with the text as, “my body is a puzzle of triangles-The lines are invisible but straight and strong,” is written.
• Furthermore, the text is filled with metaphors and personification, key devices in poetry. For instance the author writes, “I am Mountain. My stillness is never still.” The author is able to convey the feel of this particular yoga pose much stronger by employing metaphor than she would have been able to do any other way. This is a common theme throughout this picture book, as almost all of the poems utilize analogies. The poems are done in free verse but connect to each other as well as any rhyming poem.
• Furthermore, the author often includes more than one person engaged in each pose. These ladies’ yoga outfits are always very colorful, emphasizing the beauty of taking part in an activity like yoga. Every page’s background is a different, bright color. This shows that though the poses might be different, they all result in the same way, making those who partake in yoga happy. In fact, the women look completely content to be doing yoga in all of the pictures. This translates to the text, as all of the metaphors portray that by doing yoga, the women have become something bigger than themselves. They transform into scorpions, frogs, trees, mountains, and cobras.
I thought that this picture book was like a work of art. It made me, someone who never does yoga, want to do yoga because of the beautiful, powerful, and beneficial way it was conveyed. The figurative devices and pictures pulled the picture book together very cohesively and made yoga appear like something everyone must do.
This picture book is a collection of sixteen original poems about yoga. It includes poems about different yoga positions like down dog, cobra, and warrior. Throughout the picture book, figurative language is used to portray yoga as beautiful and powerful.
• The pictures in this picture book are drawn with thick lines, emphasizing the strength of yoga. Many of the pictures are framed with different shapes like triangles, squares, and rectangles, as well. This works with the text as, “my body is a puzzle of triangles-The lines are invisible but straight and strong,” is written.
• Furthermore, the text is filled with metaphors and personification, key devices in poetry. For instance the author writes, “I am Mountain. My stillness is never still.” The author is able to convey the feel of this particular yoga pose much stronger by employing metaphor than she would have been able to do any other way. This is a common theme throughout this picture book, as almost all of the poems utilize analogies. The poems are done in free verse but connect to each other as well as any rhyming poem.
• Furthermore, the author often includes more than one person engaged in each pose. These ladies’ yoga outfits are always very colorful, emphasizing the beauty of taking part in an activity like yoga. Every page’s background is a different, bright color. This shows that though the poses might be different, they all result in the same way, making those who partake in yoga happy. In fact, the women look completely content to be doing yoga in all of the pictures. This translates to the text, as all of the metaphors portray that by doing yoga, the women have become something bigger than themselves. They transform into scorpions, frogs, trees, mountains, and cobras.
I thought that this picture book was like a work of art. It made me, someone who never does yoga, want to do yoga because of the beautiful, powerful, and beneficial way it was conveyed. The figurative devices and pictures pulled the picture book together very cohesively and made yoga appear like something everyone must do.
June 19, 2012
Each of the 16 short poems in this beautifully illustrated collection focus on a different yoga pose. Wong’s words, carefully chosen, are evocative and full of imagery. Wong has created a collection of non-rhyming poems that support internal, as well as external exploration and observation. Some poems encourage readers to focus on the relationship of body parts, “head to foot to foot,” while others create a story that allows the imagination to soar while posing. Some are quiet and calming, while other poems pulse with energy and passion.
The illustrations are saturated with color and decorated with intricate patterns and designs. Paschkis has created a multiracial set of characters that move through the poses with serenity and agility. Each poem is illustrated on a two page spread that includes a lively background filled with natural and man-made elements, as well as animals and people. The book does not contain how-to instructions on each pose, however the poses are well-known and instructions can be found in most basic yoga books or online.
The illustrations are saturated with color and decorated with intricate patterns and designs. Paschkis has created a multiracial set of characters that move through the poses with serenity and agility. Each poem is illustrated on a two page spread that includes a lively background filled with natural and man-made elements, as well as animals and people. The book does not contain how-to instructions on each pose, however the poses are well-known and instructions can be found in most basic yoga books or online.
October 24, 2016
Nice short poems to read aloud while kids do yoga. Breath, mountain, crow, twists and half moon pose have inspired some of the poems. Here's a new take on crow pose:
Low Crow
Crow depends on his elbows.
You cannot always fly.
You need somewhere to rest
the weight of yourself.
The illustrations are delightful folk-inspired designs with animals, trees and people colorfully framing the main illustration.
Low Crow
Crow depends on his elbows.
You cannot always fly.
You need somewhere to rest
the weight of yourself.
The illustrations are delightful folk-inspired designs with animals, trees and people colorfully framing the main illustration.
July 3, 2013
My daughter loves both poetry and yoga so this book is great for her. She has asked me to read selections from it many times now and I find the poetry more stimulating than many children's poetry collections. Tonight we read a short one I really enjoy:
Low Crow
Crow depends on his elbows.
You cannot always fly.
You need somewhere to rest
the weight of yourself.
Low Crow
Crow depends on his elbows.
You cannot always fly.
You need somewhere to rest
the weight of yourself.
January 11, 2008
A sweet picture book with beautiful illustrations and yoga poses. Share this with a little one who may be receptive. Your listener can try some of the poses while the book is being read or afterwards.
June 21, 2012
This was o.k,, but it is helpful to read the poetry, and think about the yoga positions.
May 4, 2016
Love the rich detailed illustrations, the text and pictures really bring these yoga poses to life.
November 2, 2015
Nice poetry. I'm not sure if I could make it work for a yoga ST though.
April 19, 2016
Colorful illustrations! I liked the Low Crow:
Crow depends on his elbows.
You cannot always fly.
You need somewhere to rest
the weight of yourself.
Crow depends on his elbows.
You cannot always fly.
You need somewhere to rest
the weight of yourself.
September 23, 2021
This is a collection of poems that go along with different yoga poses. It would be a fun activity for students to do the yoga poses as you read the book. I liked this book, but don't see myself making a ton of use out of it.
September 17, 2020
Eh. It’s an ok picture books. My yoga poses look a bit different. It might be fun to read as you do the pose with kids. My guys would not have been into it.
May 8, 2021
I have no idea how I haven't marked this as read - it's a staple of my storytime yoga programs. I adore Janet Wong's poems and the illustrations in this lovely demonstration of yoga poses.
June 16, 2016
Beautiful poetry book with each poem on a specific yoga pose. Lovely illustrations by Julie Paschkis
April 3, 2017
While I wouldn't read these in a yoga class, I would have kids think about writing their own poems about yoga poses and use this book as inspiration.
Read
November 8, 2017Title: Twist: yoga poems
Author: Janet S. Wong
Illustrator: Julie Pashchkis
Genre: Picture book of poems
Theme(s): Yoga
Opening line/sentence: “Breath – Breath is a broom sweeping your insides.”
Brief Book Summary: This is a book that examines a different yoga pose on each page. Each pose has its own poem to coincide with the pose’s shape, design, and purpose. There is an illustration of a person doing each pose, and the pages are lively and colorful.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1:
• Marilyn Courtot
• Children's Literature
• http://www.clcd.com/#/bookdetail/1/0/...
• “As a newcomer to yoga, I have been pleasantly surprised by the new books for young readers. In this picture book, Janet Wong writes a poem to accompany the fifteen or so poses that most of us learn in the first year (not that we can do them all). The issue of breath control--that is breathing correctly and clearing the mind are really essential to the yoga experience and probably the hardest things for new students to master. The artist has chosen to give the book an Easter flavor.”
Professional Recommendation/Review #2:
• Kirkus
• Kirkus Reviews (January 15, 2007 (Vol. 75, No. 2))
• http://www.clcd.com/#/bookdetail/1/0/...
• “The current yoga craze insinuates its way into children s poetry in this attractively designed volume. Sixteen poems illuminate a variety of yoga attitudes, beginning with Breath ( Breath is a broom / sweeping your insides ) and ending with Twist. A multicultural cast of happy child yogis stretches and poses its way through the collection, framed in boxes set against mandala-like backgrounds that extend the theme of each given position.”
Response to Two Professional Reviews:
Both reviews touch on the fact that yoga has recently become more popular, and similarly, there are more books coming out on the topic. I agree that this is a very true statement; when I think of yoga, I picture a video or actual in-person class – not a children’s picture book. However, that doesn’t mean I don’t like the idea! I think this book has beautiful colors – as Marilyn Courtot describes as an Easter favor – and soft, welcoming designs – as Kirkus describes as mandala-like backgrounds.
Evaluation of Literary Elements:
Molly Bang’s Picture This suggests that colors represent, and/or insinuate, emotions to the readers. When agreeing with Molly Bang’s ideas of illustration, illustrator of Twist: yoga poem, Julie Pashchkis, did not choose dark reds, blues, grays, and purples to promote a friendly, healthy yoga story. If the yoga poses were placed on dark, harsh backgrounds, I think young readers would take away from this story that yoga isn’t good for us – that we should be scared of it. Instead, Julie Pashchkis places soft designs with light, pastel oranges, yellows, and greens to show that yoga is an illuminating and fun exercise.
Consideration of Instructional Application:
A fun mini-lesson from this book would be to practice – or at least try – these yoga poses. Each pose is broken down one page at a time, and there’s an illustration of a person doing each pose to demonstrate how we can do it as well. While this would be a nice book to practice reading, it can also give a class of young students a specific time to be safely active and physically move around. Kinesthetic learning is very real, and this book can teach active learners another way to move their bodies during (future) classes without being disruptive.
Author: Janet S. Wong
Illustrator: Julie Pashchkis
Genre: Picture book of poems
Theme(s): Yoga
Opening line/sentence: “Breath – Breath is a broom sweeping your insides.”
Brief Book Summary: This is a book that examines a different yoga pose on each page. Each pose has its own poem to coincide with the pose’s shape, design, and purpose. There is an illustration of a person doing each pose, and the pages are lively and colorful.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1:
• Marilyn Courtot
• Children's Literature
• http://www.clcd.com/#/bookdetail/1/0/...
• “As a newcomer to yoga, I have been pleasantly surprised by the new books for young readers. In this picture book, Janet Wong writes a poem to accompany the fifteen or so poses that most of us learn in the first year (not that we can do them all). The issue of breath control--that is breathing correctly and clearing the mind are really essential to the yoga experience and probably the hardest things for new students to master. The artist has chosen to give the book an Easter flavor.”
Professional Recommendation/Review #2:
• Kirkus
• Kirkus Reviews (January 15, 2007 (Vol. 75, No. 2))
• http://www.clcd.com/#/bookdetail/1/0/...
• “The current yoga craze insinuates its way into children s poetry in this attractively designed volume. Sixteen poems illuminate a variety of yoga attitudes, beginning with Breath ( Breath is a broom / sweeping your insides ) and ending with Twist. A multicultural cast of happy child yogis stretches and poses its way through the collection, framed in boxes set against mandala-like backgrounds that extend the theme of each given position.”
Response to Two Professional Reviews:
Both reviews touch on the fact that yoga has recently become more popular, and similarly, there are more books coming out on the topic. I agree that this is a very true statement; when I think of yoga, I picture a video or actual in-person class – not a children’s picture book. However, that doesn’t mean I don’t like the idea! I think this book has beautiful colors – as Marilyn Courtot describes as an Easter favor – and soft, welcoming designs – as Kirkus describes as mandala-like backgrounds.
Evaluation of Literary Elements:
Molly Bang’s Picture This suggests that colors represent, and/or insinuate, emotions to the readers. When agreeing with Molly Bang’s ideas of illustration, illustrator of Twist: yoga poem, Julie Pashchkis, did not choose dark reds, blues, grays, and purples to promote a friendly, healthy yoga story. If the yoga poses were placed on dark, harsh backgrounds, I think young readers would take away from this story that yoga isn’t good for us – that we should be scared of it. Instead, Julie Pashchkis places soft designs with light, pastel oranges, yellows, and greens to show that yoga is an illuminating and fun exercise.
Consideration of Instructional Application:
A fun mini-lesson from this book would be to practice – or at least try – these yoga poses. Each pose is broken down one page at a time, and there’s an illustration of a person doing each pose to demonstrate how we can do it as well. While this would be a nice book to practice reading, it can also give a class of young students a specific time to be safely active and physically move around. Kinesthetic learning is very real, and this book can teach active learners another way to move their bodies during (future) classes without being disruptive.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews