Abstract

Frog, Dog, Flamingo and Dragon are all very upset – Frog has too many chores to do, Dog has writer's block, Flamingo is being bullied at school and Dragon's granddad has just died. Ladybird listens to their worries and comes up with a plan that will help them all – let's learn Ladybird's Remarkable Relaxation!

This beautiful picture book teaches an effective yoga relaxation technique that can be used anywhere and anytime to deal with a problem. Little Ladybird flutters from big toe to knee to thumb and onwards around the body, showing children how to focus their attention and calm their thoughts. Whether they feel stressed like Frog, or lack confidence like Dog, children will relate to the cast of delightful characters and learn that they too can use relaxation to cope with anxiety, bullying, or grief, and face their worries.

This book will be an excellent resource for teachers and teaching assistants in both mainstream and special needs schools, yoga instructors, and parents looking for a fun and engaging story to teach children aged 4–11 about coping with difficult emotions.

As both a long standing primary school teacher and an experienced teacher of yoga to young children I can wholeheartedly recommend this book. The author has extensive experience of teaching yoga to children, in particular those with autism spectrum disorders and so he provides concise, easy to follow guidance for teachers and other adults wanting to use his techniques... Sarah Peacock's painting of the characters are great fun and beautifully portray the emotions .
Red Reading Hub blog by Jill Bennett
I love Michael's honest and direct approach to teaching yoga to children. His experience and dedication to supporting children through yoga are distilled in this lovely nutshell of a book. Ladybird's Remarkable Relaxation is the real deal, yoga nidra simply and entertainingly presented for big and small people alike. A delightful story with a powerful message, supported by a simple, practical exercise for children to do for themselves. Perfect.
Tara Fraser, Director of Yoga Junction and author of Yoga for You and The Easy Yoga Workbook
Ladybird's Remarkable Relaxation, is a beautiful, multi-layered book that can be enjoyed at a variety of levels with learners both young and old. It is primarily a teaching book which uses yoga to help youngsters deal with difficult issues such as how to cope with workload, bullying and even bereavement. The relaxation techniques are easy to follow and the script appropriate for learners of all ages. The artwork is delightful, filled with vibrant colours and expressive animals. Ladybird's Remarkable Relaxation is designed to be read and enjoyed again and again.
Shirley Osbourne, special needs teacher
As an experienced yoga teacher of many years standing, I have purchased and read many books on yoga. This new book is a real joy, so refreshing and user-friendly. It has wonderful illustrations, is well considered and presented, and deals sensitively with issues such as bullying, prejudice, bereavement and anxiety. The teacher's notes are superb. I enjoyed Frog's Speech but Ladybird is even better. Roll on Book 3!
Angela Tuck, yoga teacher with a background in education and nursing
There is much to learn from the simple story in this beautifully presented children's book, which aims to teach the basics of yoga and relaxation and enhance children's problem-solving skills through a more clearly focused mind... The book includes guidance for teachers and parents... it can be a delightful book for parents to read with children especially at times of stress or adversity... The book could be used for pre-schoolers (and possibly even younger if slightly adapted) and up to pre-teenage years ... It can also be used for children with special needs... I really liked this book as a tool for therapist. It would be great for practitioners and therapists to keep in the therapy room.
BACP Children & Young People
Michael's book begins with a concise and informative section outlining the principles and aims of Ladybird relaxation. The guidelines are user-friendly and easy to transfer to the classroom. The characters are beautifully drawn with attention to the facial expressions. Children can easily relate to the issues faced by the characters and Ladybird guides them through the story by demonstrating the relaxation technique. The focus throughout the book is one of self-help, and how this principle can be applied to any problem.
Rachel Ottery, special needs teacher in the primary sector
This is a wonderfully written and gorgeously illustrated book. The author's gentle and subtly humorous style is complemented beautifully by the illustrations, making this book perfect for sharing with your children. Beyond the lovely story though, lies an important life skill - relaxation. The author even provides detailed guidance for those of us who are unfamiliar with yoga teaching techniques, giving us all the confidence to help our children relax.
Jan Downey, primary school teacher