Garabedian, Helen. . Fireside: S. & S. May 2004. c.256p. illus. index. ISBN 0-7432-4355-2. pap. $16. HEALTH

Garabedian, a yoga teacher and an infant developmental movement educator, presents a yoga program designed to benefit children from three weeks to 24 months of age. Arguing that yoga helps promote sound sleep, health digestion, and strong bodies, she includes more than 75 gentle movements and techniques (based on standard yoga postures) that are actively facilitated by the parent or caregiver. Each chapter focuses on activities appropriate for a specific developmental level, ranging from infancy through head holding, crawling, walking, and beyond, and engaging photos demonstrate how to help the child safely accomplish each movement. Songs and rhymes create a playful experience that can be enjoyed practically anywhere. These baby-centered activities allow for lots of touching and snuggling, which should increase bonding between parent and child. Garabedian's underlying philosophy is a healthy departure from the more regimented exercise programs and hectic activities that some families may wish to avoid. The emerging popularity of yoga and strong demand for books in this subject area may encourage many public libraries to add this to their collections. - Deborah Broocker, Learning Resources Ctr., Georgia Perimeter Coll., Dunwoody

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