Gentle Stories That Encourage Movement, Mindfulness, and Inner Calm
Yoga isn’t just about poses—it’s about connecting mind, body, and breath. Yoga books for kids help children slow down, move with intention, and learn calming strategies they can carry into everyday life. Whether stretching like a cat or breathing like a lion, these stories offer playful ways to support physical and emotional well-being.
In this post, I’m sharing my favorite yoga books for kids, organized by age group. I’ve also included movement-based activities and reflection questions to help children enjoy the full benefits of these peaceful, empowering stories. Let me know which book brings the most calm and focus to your classroom or home!
***Disclosure: This post contains an Amazon affiliate link that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission when you purchase through the link from my blog. Thank you for your support!
Table of Content
- Why Read Books About Yoga?
- The Role of Books in Teaching Kids about Yoga
- 11 Yoga Books For Children
- What Yoga Book(s) Are You Going To Read Later?
Why Read Books About Yoga?
Yoga books blend storytelling with movement, helping kids understand their bodies and emotions in a fun, meaningful way.
These books often guide children through poses inspired by animals, nature, or emotions—building strength, flexibility, and awareness. They encourage mindfulness, reduce stress, and teach kids how to breathe, pause, and find peace within.
Yoga books also help children feel empowered in their bodies, boosting confidence and concentration.
The Role of Books in Teaching Kids about Yoga
Yoga books teach more than movement—they teach mindfulness, focus, and self-regulation.
Through simple instructions and engaging illustrations, children learn how to manage big feelings, stay present, and listen to their bodies. Many books incorporate breathing exercises, affirmations, or relaxation techniques that kids can use anytime—at school, at home, or during transitions.
Yoga stories also support SEL (Social Emotional Learning), gross motor development, and healthy routines.
How to Use Books about Yoga with Children
Here are some fun and mindful ways to make yoga books part of your daily routine:
- 🧘 Ask Open-Ended Questions: After reading, ask: How did your body feel during that pose? or Which part of the story helped you feel calm or strong? In class, use Turn and Talk or pair with journaling for reflection.
- 🌿 Engage in Yoga-Themed Activities: Create yoga cards with favorite poses, design a calming corner with yoga mats and breathing visuals, or pair each letter of the alphabet with a yoga move. You can also turn the book into a movement flow during brain breaks!
- 📚 Refer Back to the Books: During transitions, emotional moments, or rest time, revisit yoga books to guide kids through a short sequence or grounding breath. Say: Let’s try the flower breath we learned yesterday to reset our energy.
- 👨👩👧 Involve Other Caregivers: Encourage families to read yoga books at home and do simple poses together—bedtime yoga is a great way to wind down! Share video read-alouds, pose posters, or calm-down activity suggestions.
11 Yoga Books For Children
Younger Children (Ages 3-6)
#1 The ABCs of Yoga for Kids by Teresa Anne Power
🔗 View on Amazon
A colorful A-to-Z guide introducing kids to yoga poses in an engaging and simple format.
Activity Suggestion: Try one pose for each letter of your name.
Discussion Questions:
- Which letter pose was your favorite and why?
- How do you feel after doing yoga?
- What new letter or word could have a yoga pose?
#2 Yoga for Little Kids by Nicole Koleshis
🔗 View on Amazon
Simple yoga instructions paired with rhymes and themes for preschoolers.
Activity Suggestion: Create a morning yoga routine with 3–5 poses from the book.
Discussion Questions:
- What pose helped you feel calm or happy?
- When could you use yoga during the day?
- What animals or shapes did the poses remind you of?
#3 A Change of Plans for Elmo! by Random House
🔗 View on Amazon
Elmo learns how to use mindfulness and breathing when plans don’t go as expected.
Activity Suggestion: Practice Elmo’s calming breath whenever something frustrating happens.
Discussion Questions:
- What helped Elmo feel better?
- When have your plans changed?
- How can breathing help when we’re upset?
Lower Elementary Children (Ages 7-9)
#4 Zoo Zen by Kristen Fischer
🔗 View on Amazon
A yoga adventure through the zoo with animal-themed poses and rhymes.
Activity Suggestion: Make your own yoga zoo using stuffed animals.
Discussion Questions:
- Which animal pose did you enjoy most?
- How did yoga help the character in the story?
- What other animals could become yoga poses?
#5 Yoga Animals by Chris Thompson
🔗 View on Amazon
This gentle introduction to yoga shows animals doing relaxing, natural poses.
Activity Suggestion: Act out the animal poses with sounds and movements.
Discussion Questions:
- How are animals and yoga alike?
- Which animal do you move like most?
- How did your body feel after the poses?
#6 Skyhorse 100 Yoga Activities for Children by Shobana R. Vinay
🔗 View on Amazon
A resource-packed book filled with games, poses, and breathing exercises.
Activity Suggestion: Pick three activities and create a mini yoga class at home.
Discussion Questions:
- Which game or pose was most fun?
- What did you notice about your breathing?
- When could you use one of these yoga activities?
Check Out Capybara-Theme Daily Reflection Journals For Kids!
#7 You Are a Lion! by Taeeun Yoo
🔗 View on Amazon
Kids imagine themselves as different animals as they do simple yoga poses.
Activity Suggestion: Draw yourself as one of the animals in a yoga pose.
Discussion Questions:
- What kind of animal do you feel like during yoga?
- How do the poses make you feel inside?
- What sounds would each animal pose make?
Upper Elementary Children (Ages 9-11)
#8 Good Night Yoga by Mariam Gates
🔗 View on Amazon
A calming bedtime yoga story that helps children relax at the end of the day.
Activity Suggestion: Practice the full yoga bedtime routine with soft music.
Discussion Questions:
- Which pose helped you feel ready to sleep?
- Why is it important to stretch before bed?
- How do you feel after finishing the story?
#9 Good Morning Yoga by Mariam Gates
🔗 View on Amazon
Start the day with energy and calm through morning yoga and affirmations.
Activity Suggestion: Make a poster with your favorite morning affirmation.
Discussion Questions:
- How does yoga help you wake up?
- Which pose gave you energy?
- What’s your favorite way to start the day?
#10 Yoga Friends by Mariam Gates
🔗 View on Amazon
This book shows friends doing yoga together and supporting one another.
Activity Suggestion: Try partner yoga poses with a friend or family member.
Discussion Questions:
- What makes yoga more fun with friends?
- Which partner pose did you like most?
- How can you help someone else feel calm?
#11 108 Awesome Yoga Poses for Kids by Lauren Chaitoff
🔗 View on Amazon
A colorful guide of creative poses, perfect for any mood or moment.
Activity Suggestion: Make a spinner or card deck with 5 favorite poses.
Discussion Questions:
- What pose helps you feel strong?
- What pose helps you relax?
- How can you use yoga at school or home?
Grab these free resources to make your teaching life easier!
What Yoga Book(s) Are You Going To Read Later?
Yoga books for kids bring calm, confidence, and connection into every reading session. Whether your child is new to yoga or already loves mindful movement, these stories help them feel grounded, strong, and ready to take on the world—one deep breath at a time.
Which yoga-themed book will you try next? Tag me on Instagram @LittleYellowStarTeaches and share your favorite poses, breathing moments, or peaceful read-alouds!
Happy reading!
Prima at LittleYellowStar
* * *
Other Blog Posts That You Might Enjoy:
- 15 Minutes Daily Social And Emotional Learning Activities For The Classroom (SEL Made Easy)
- How To Offer Growth Mindset Praise Effectively
- 3 Activities To Introduce Growth Mindset
