Books and Card Decks for Enriching, Memorable Kids Yoga Classes
Part 2 of my ultimate kids yoga wish list is back by popular demand.
Intro: My kids yoga book story
In my experience, I have never been so in love with teaching children’s yoga than when I stumbled into the Watertown, MA library and asked the children’s librarian for a recommendation for a book that would work as a meditation or yoga flow but was not meant for yoga. She encouraged me to borrow The Napping House by Don and Audrey Wood, which became one of my best lesson plans ever.
I’d play rain on my speaker in the background, introduce the subject of letting nature guide us. I shared about my time livign in Costa Rica where whenever it rained, everyone stayed home from university and work. They would rest and wait out the storm warm and comfortable, not selling out their health to rush when nature called them to lay low and rest.
I wrote one of my most popular lesson plans which you can find here, and if you love kids yoga, you can grab a copy of the book at a local library or purchase a copy at this link. 
Where do you get your books?
Whether you use the library, shop local, or order online, having the right books and cards makes kids yoga classes more visual, memorable, and story-oriented. Humans evolved by telling stories and sharing knowledge orally, so having books and using the wisdom to guide classes is a magical experience.
Please note I am using my Amazon Affiliates links so any purchases will provide me with some compensation.
Have fun teaching!
Books
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“Mindfulness for Kids in 10 Minutes a Day: Simple Exercises to Feel Calm, Focused, and Happy“
- Authors: Maura Bradley
- Description: A wonderful collection of activities for children 8-12 to learn mindfulness.
- Perfect for classrooms, therapy sessions, or family bonding.
- Why it’s great: Easy-to-use format for kids to develop an individual practice.
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“Mindfulness Workbook for Kids: 60+ Activities to Encourage Calm, Focus, and Compassion”
- Author: Lara Hocheiser (me!)
- Description: An activity book for kids ages 5-7 to learn everyday mindfulness
- Why it’s great: Encourages mindfulness as a personal, relatable practice.
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This is a Zoom meeting of myself with author Susan Verde circa 2020.
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- Author: Susan Verde, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds
- Description: A beautifully illustrated book that helps kids discover balance and express their feelings through yoga and mindfulness.
- Why it’s great: Inspires confidence and self-expression.
- Susan is a personal friend of mine and I recommend ALL of her books for kids and her memoir, too.
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“Good Night Yoga”
- Author: Mariam Gates
- Description: A soothing bedtime yoga meditation for kids ages 3-5.
- Why it’s great: A lovely way to set the stage for relaxation or if you’re a parent, bedtime.
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“Yoga Bug: Simple Poses for Little Ones“
- Author: Sarah Jane Hinder
- Description: An adorable introduction to yoga for toddlers, with poses inspired by bugs.
- Why it’s great: Fun and engaging for the youngest yogis.
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“Breathe Like a Bear: 30 Mindful Moments for Kids to Feel Calm and Focused Anytime, Anywhere“
- Author: Kira Willey
- Description: Offers short, simple breathing and mindfulness exercises perfect for busy kids and caregivers.
- Why it’s great: Portable and practical for everyday life.
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“108 Awesome Yoga Posses for Kids: Stomp Like a Dinosaur, Flutter Like a Butterfly, Breathe like the Sun”
- Author: Lauren Chaitoff, Founder of Yogi Beans
- Description: Offers a ton of different, engaging kids yoga ideas from someone who has been teaching for 2 decades.
- Why it’s great: Wide variety of poses and activities with great visuals.
Card Decks
8. “The Kids’ Yoga Deck: 50 Poses and Games”
- Author: Annie Buckley
- Description: This deck makes yoga fun and accessible with simple illustrations and clear instructions, perfect for all skill levels.
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Why it’s great: Great for group play or individual practice.
9. “Mindful Kids: 50 Mindfulness Activities for Kindness, Focus, and Calm“
- Author: Whitney Stewart
- Description: A colorful deck featuring mindfulness practices to help kids develop focus, kindness, and relaxation skills.
- Why it’s great: Ideal for educators, therapists, or families.
10. “Activity Card Deck- Yoga Cards for Kids – 67 Colorful Cards for Learning Yoga“
- Author: Yoga 4 Classrooms
- Description: Classroom friendly yoga cards that are accessible for kids.
- Why it’s great: Big kids like them, too which can b e hard to accomplish with a yoga deck for kids.
Yes, I noticed the numbering is off- I am not sure why.
Hopefully you enjoy the list of resources. Let me know which are your favorites in the comments, including your own. I’d be glad to share them!
