Finding Calm in the Chaos: A Review of Good Night Yoga: A Pose-by-Pose Bedtime Story
As a mom of two young whirlwind toddlers—one spirited and the other a tiny tornado—bedtime is often a battleground of energy and refusal to slow down. I was searching for a soothing potion—or at least a gentle distraction—when I stumbled upon Good Night Yoga: A Pose-by-Pose Bedtime Story by Annie Dwyer and illustrated beautifully by Heather A. Barlow. This cozy board book seemed like just the remedy I needed for our nightly struggles.
From the moment we cracked open this delightful book, I could see my kids were intrigued. The premise is simple yet enchanting: it guides little ones through various yoga poses as the natural world gradually transitions into night. The book unfolds poetry and movements that capture the beauty of settling down, wrapping us in a warm blanket of calmness.
Each page features beautiful illustrations that burst with color and character. My kids were quick to point out the cute animals in different yoga poses, with my daughter giggling at the "happy baby" pose while posing dramatically on our living room rug. Even my son, who often prefers racing cars and dinosaurs, couldn’t resist attempting the “cat” pose, complete with a meow. It became a delightful game of follow-the-leader, which helped ease them into the calming energy of bedtime.
What I appreciated most was how the book blends storytelling with physical activity. Instead of the usual routine of simply reading them a story and hoping for sleep, we became part of the narrative actively. It held their attention from start to finish, culminating in a sweet visualization exercise at the end, where we all took a moment to breathe and imagine floating on a cloud. It felt less like a chore, and more like a bonding experience, one that layered their bedtime routine with patience and mindfulness.
One of our favorite moments was when we reached the page about the “tree” pose. My daughter, in her wobbly way, grinned as she tried to balance on one foot, giggling each time she fell over. It was such a joy to see her immerse herself in the experience. I couldn’t help but laugh along with her, and it reminded me that these simple pleasures are often the most profound.
Good Night Yoga is perfect for children aged 2 to 5 and would be a wonderful addition to any family library. I especially recommend it for parents with adventurous spirits who may need assistance winding down at the end of the day. It’s particularly fantastic for families who have high-energy kids or those who might benefit from a little extra guidance to settle down.
In our home, it quickly became a bedtime staple—so much so that missing it leads to little frowns and requests for “more yoga” at bedtime. For me, it feels like magic, bringing a gentle touch of mindfulness to our chaotic evenings. With its blend of beautiful illustrations, gentle guidance, and engaging poses, it has solidified its place in our hearts and our nightly rituals.
So if you’re looking for a sweet, calming way to end the day with your little ones, I highly recommend Good Night Yoga. It just might transform your bedtime routine into a cherished oasis of calm amidst the delightful chaos of parenting. 🌙🧘♀️
Snuggle Up with Sweet Dreams: Discover Good Night Yoga! >>
