Abstract

With simple and evocative words, calligraphy, and home photos of the words in action, grandfather and granddaughter team Chungliang and Sylvia bring the spirit of Tai Ji to life.

Written and conceived by Master Chungliang Al Huang, in collaboration with his granddaughter, Sylvie, it brings to life the five elements underpinning Chinese thought - Earth, Fire, Water, Wood, and Metal - and how they can be simply and instinctively expressed through the body.

Making Tai Ji fun and simple, with the possibility of learning through repetition, the book offers a wonderful foundation for developing intuitive understanding and is a great way of keeping kids active, and improving their wellbeing and mindfulness.

Chungliang Al Huang is the founder of Living Tao Foundation and the director of the Lan Ting Institute. He has written many classic books including Embrace Tiger, Return to Mountain and Essential Tai Ji.

Lark Huang-Storms, PhD is a clinical child psychologist living in Portland Oregon. In her roles as both a mother and a professional, she is passionate about supporting children's well-being in mind and body.

The highest approach of Daoist cultivation is FanPuGuiZhen ????, which means "back to simplicity, return to the truth". Chungliang Al Huang's Tai Ji Dancing for Kids is not just a book for kids! It offers a simple way for all of us to find the joy that resides in our true inner nature, activating the healing process and bringing many benefits to our lives.
Master Zhongxian Wu, lifelong Daoist practitioner and author of 12 books (5 in Chinese) on Chinese wisdom traditions.
Straightforward and clear...it shows a way of keeping kids active, and improving their wellbeing and mindfulness. Even if you are completely new to Tai Ji, this book will give you a good understanding of what is involved.
Parents in Touch
PreS-Gr 1-A straightforward introduction to Tai Ji dancing for young children. The opening page provides a brief explanation of Tai Ji and the concept of the life force Qi-the energy that connects people with each other and with nature. Each spread features easy to follow prompts on the left side with an up-close picture of the author's young granddaughter performing the movement on the right side of the page. The instructions are simple yet leave room for interpretation: "Open your arms/Open your eyes/Open your flowering Heart." Back matter includes a glossary of the "Five Moving Forces" (earth, fire, water, wood, and gold), which are mentioned in the text. An author's note and a website with videos of Tai Ji dancing are also included. Overall, this is a highly accessible and well-designed book. VERDICT A joyful celebration of Tai Ji and intergenerational relationships. A worthy addition to preschool and elementary collections
School Library Journal
Tai Ji Dancing for Kids is a nice little book, well-produced and with a nice message. My daughter loved it and its simplicity.
Duncan McGechie, Acubody