Libraries are becoming multifunctional spaces within schools – do you think yoga in the library will take off? Thank you to Sweet Cherry Publishing and NetGalley for this arc children’s book. This review is 100% honest and of my own opinion. I love this silly, entertaining, informative book. It is so fun to read and has a great message. It is a gender neutral read, which is awesome! I love when books are equally appealing to both girls and boys.

Now, for all the theatre buffs out there this became a classic moment right out of the comedy of commedia dell’arte.But this was not the theatre. This was supposed to be a peaceful moment in a peaceful yoga studio. Still, rather than ignore the fly I turned this disjointed moment of fly-swatting into what is now the Mula and the Fly series. What positive impacts have you seen yoga have for children? This is a message that is not just important for young children, but for everyone. There is so much pressure for ‘likes’ on social media nowadays, but just because they don’t always come when you want them, it does not make you less. Sometimes others forget to tell you how great you are, but it doesn’t mean that they don’t think it. What a lovely, interactive story! A must-have for any child’s bookshelf, I know it will soon be finding a space on ours at my setting! But when she takes some big deep breaths and listens to her heart, Mani discovers that she knows exactly who she is – no compliments needed. In this book, yoga is being use to help finding your own confidence from your self. That you don't need others giving you affirmation to feel special and strong.

About Lauren Hoffmeier

It turns out it's not just the power of our imaginations that we could be stretching in the library! Recently featured by The New York Times, author Lauren Hoffmeier is passionate about opening up children's eyes to the transformative power of yoga. Her heartwarming series showcases easy poses that we can all try in our playgrounds, classrooms and even libraries. Watch the videos below to join in.

For a start, yoga poses are named after animals and the environment: tiger pose, chair pose, mountain pose, etc. Learning yoga at a young age literally teaches children to embody the very nature of those things around them - which in turn teaches the basic principles of compassion, empathy, and responsible communication. When teaching yoga to children I find it imperative to remember the rich culture of where the practice came from and teach to that. This is a bright fun story for children, that comes with an audible scan code. The illustrations are fabulous – I loved the multi-coloured Mani the Elephant. Who would think that a teensy tiny fly could teach a ferocious tiger something? That is exactly what Little Fly has done! Little Fly has taught Mula something that she thought she could only do in her dreams. When Mula realizes she can tumble, hop, and stand on her head she is exhilarated. When kids realize they can do the same things Mula can they will be exhilarated too! One of the best parts of this book (and there are so many best parts!) is that the student becomes the teacher when Little Fly tells Mula that she can teach her friends Yoga too! Thank you to NetGalley and Sweet Cherry publishing for providing me with a copy of Mula and the fly in exchange for my impartial review.There are so many wonderful layers in this book. It can be enjoyed again and again and again. Great for at home, in school, or any story time, it will be a sure fire favorite. This is the second book that I have read in this series of Mula and similar to the other one this one is finding a way to teach kids about the mental health benefits of Yoga. In this book we are following Mula and Mani the Elephant. Mani is having a sad morning as he hasn't gotten his morning compliment for another person. A compliment that proves to him that he matters and is special.

Mani is an adorable little elephant, who is feeling down in the dumps because she has not received her morning compliment from any of the other animals today. In fact, not only does she not know how to feel about herself without someone telling her that she is is smart or talented or beautiful, the absence of these compliments are actually making her feel *bad*!This is a cute book and is an interesting way to share Yoga with young readers. The illustrations are bright and unique colors. Not the typical colors that you would expect on the animals in this book. Giving it a little sense of whimsy. The Fly is a character that represents the inner-teacher. Mula learns a lot from the Fly because the Fly reminds her that everything she needs to know is in her heart … as long as she takes the time to listen. The Fly simply gives her a little nudge. My daughter is 3 and loves yoga, she described this as ‘HAPPY! Happy yoga book!’ It's a lovely story and comes beautifully illustrated. I like that it has Mula's yoga flow, which is clear and easy for little ones to follow. I think we will be returning to this book again and again.” - NetGalley reviewer Mula the tiger is very sleepy, but a fly won’t let Mula sleep, and keeps waking up Mula who gets very angry, with the fly not letting Mula sleep, and growls at the fly.

The book is an introduction to yoga, with a selection of poses at the end of the book that children and their adults can try together. But, for me, the main learning came from the idea that you do not have to rely on the constant affirmation and compliments of others, you need to have confidence in and pay attention to yourself. Absolutely! This book was written to be fun and educational for all readers. These books introduce readers to the basic practice of yoga and mindfulness through humour and fun, and teachers and parents will enjoy that as well because the benefits of mindfulness and yoga extend to the following: Kids, parents, grandparents, and everyone EVERYONE can benefit from the most basic lesson in this FUN book. Great read for everyone with illustrations by Ela Smietanka that are so much fun and colorful that should become a family classic!” Barnes and Noble reviewerThe illustrations that accompany the story are absolutely delightful - very colourful and expressive. The cute pictures and the yoga poses illustrated by the characters (including the introduction to yoga provided by Mani the elephant at the end of the book) will appeal to young children. Highly recommended. Mula is a sleepy grumpy tiger dreaming of fun and playful actions that she believe she can only achieve in her dreams. A friendly fly is on hand to show her how she can master her breathing and focus her mind to achieve her dreams.