MY HEART FLIES OPEN

Mindfulness, affirmations, and yoga instructions form the text of this uplifting, “fantastical trip.”

Beginning with the breath, the confident, first-person narrator knows “I am love” and sits resting in Easy Pose. From there, each page turn introduces ways to manage feelings and use the breath, the mind, and affirmations to know “I am stillness,” “I am life,” “I am bold,” and “I am grateful.” All the while, the text moves readers through yoga poses that embody the thoughts expressed. Facing each page of text is a colorful illustration of a Black child in the yoga pose described, floating in space, cresting a wave, releasing butterflies, nose to nose with a dolphin, or surrounded by hearts. The child’s contented face, with eyes closed and smiling slightly, and the energy that emanates from the simple lines, shapes, and colors will attract young readers to the pages. The affirmations, set apart with a larger, colored display type, will become familiar, comforting refrains taking up space for positivity and setting a standard of self-care for readers. Achikeobi-Lewis’ lyrical prose and visual art combine to offer a beautiful experience of mindfulness and movement perfect for meaningful time between children and caregivers that will feed the spirits of both.

Breathe, get comfortable, give and take the gift of time with this journey.