Review
"Unlike most children's yoga books, which tend to be geared toward the parent or caregiver, this one is actually for kids. Penned by Christine Sumner, a licensed professional counselor and registered yoga teacher, I Can Be is a tightly-written little book of poses disguised as play activities, with fanciful illustrations of animals that "naturally practice yoga" and a little boy as narrator. In one pose, he flies and flutters his "wings" like a bee; in another, he lies on his belly, lifting his head off the ground to hiss like a snake. The author's personal favorite, and that of her son, who was diagnosed with sensory processing disorder while I Can Be was being published, is the deep-pressure bear hug. Throughout the book, Sumner encourages children to stretch, bend, balance and simply "be" while sitting quietly, cross-legged, on the floor. Because the exercises limber the body, promote relaxation, and boost self-esteem, adults might want to try them, too. Plus, they're just plain fun! At the end of the book are detailed instructions on how to perform each pose. Part of the proceeds from I Can Be are donated to the non-profit Developmental Delay Resources, which focuses on prevention through education!" --Nancy Henderson, Exceptional Parent Magazine
"A great book for children of all ages AND abilities. Yoga is an excellent activity to stimulate the body and brain, improve self-awareness, and stimulate creativity and trust. Christine has made yoga easy for any parent to teach their child." --Kimberly Kubistek, M.S., OTR/L, Pediatric Occupational Therapist
About the Author
Christine Sumner is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Yoga Teacher certified by the Himalayan Institute Teachers Association.
She is a stress management specialist for the Dean Ornish Program for Reversing Heart Disease and teaches all of her clients to simply be who they are, in every pose and in every capacity in their lives.
Her children, who embody the true essence of love, life, and being, inspire and fuel her writing on a daily basis.
