The Happiest Tree: A Yoga Story

Lee & Low, 2005

Illustrated by Ruth Jeyaveeran

Summary

Meena is excited about the class play, a new and improved version of Red Riding Hood. But when she learns that she must play one of the trees in the forest, Meena's excitement vanishes. She is just too clumsy to be a quiet, steady tree. Little does Meena know she is about to find a way to grow from the inside out, just like a tree, and move beyond her feelings of clumsiness and frustration.

The Happiest Tree is a gentle and empowering story of a young girl's road to self-confidence. It is sure to spark interest in yoga, and provide comfort to all children as they struggle to overcome the everyday obstacles to growing up.

Reviews

“Painterly acrylic forms convey nuances of Indian culture and Meena’s facial and body contortions as she learns her roles on stage and in yoga class. Krishnaswami aptly conveys the essence and impact of yoga on a child.” Kirkus Reviews

“…a child-centered story that integrates the yoga elements of the plot naturally into the narrative…Ruth Jeyaveeran’s colorful acrylic illustrations are a perfect accompaniment to this story, which features a girl of Indian descent. Meena’s anxieties will be recognizable to many children. Likewise, her developing interest in yoga is one that will resonate with many children and families today.” Cooperative Children’s Book Center