The ABCs of Australian Animals: An Interactive Kids Yoga Book by Giselle Shardlow and illustrated by Emily Gedzyk is a fun and unique book. When it arrived in the post it was a nice surprise to our day! We opened it right away and read it together. This post contains affiliate links.
We usually like to go out walking for our main exercise, but with the winter’s cold, wet, and windy weather walking won’t be as inviting for the next couple of months. Practising some yoga with the children is the perfect alternative. It doesn’t take any special equipment, it doesn’t require a lot of space, it can be adapted to any level, and you can make it a little different each time so it doesn’t become boring.
I was first introduced to yoga in my university days when I took a mid-winter’s evening class and thoroughly enjoyed it. The only part I didn’t like was becoming nice and relaxed and then having to go out into the -30/-40C temps and drive home. I tend to practice yoga mainly when I’m having back trouble as it helps with this, though I know I should do it more often.
Phil has practiced yoga for some time, and when we met he was participating in a lunch class at work. Tristan has been wanting to do yoga like Daddy for some time, and occasionally has taken out the yoga mat and shown me some of the poses he’s seen Phil do before work in the mornings. Needless to say, the children were so pleased to have a book about yoga so they can be like Daddy!
The ABCs of Australian Animals is very colourful and the illustrations are lovely with the way the animals interact with the letters. In this book you will see some familiar animals such as a kangaroo, Tasmanian Devil, and Koala, as well as lots of ‘new’ animals that we hadn’t yet heard of, such as brolga, echidna, and yabby.
Each page introduces both a letter and an animal within the main illustration that takes up the top 80% of the page. The bottom section of the page tells the story about that Australian animal. The letter sentences are very descriptive and you can imagine the motions of the animal and environment they are in. Each page also includes an additional illustration of the character Luke showing the corresponding yoga pose for that animal.
Kallista likes to trace the letters with finger. She’s currently learning how to print her letters and this gives her extra fine-motor practice. Here she’s being a butterfly.
At the back of the book you will find a summary of the poses used in the book, along with illustrations . This is handy for when you create a sequence of poses for your child to do. The poses in the ABC’s of Australian Animals aren’t necessarily in the order you will want to do them in for a proper yoga session, but that shouldn’t stop you or your children from enjoying them in alphabetical order if that is their wish!
I just love to see enthusiasm when it come to physical education. The ABCs of Australian Animals would be a great addition for anyone with an interest in yoga, Homeschoolers, or daycare facilities. We were so excited about this book that we also went to the library and borrowed books about Australia and the Outback, and last week we were please to watch a nature show that featured some of the birds of Australia. It was easier for the children to take an interest because of the poses they’d been doing and knowing the animals were Australian.
Giselle is a fellow Canadian but has lived in Australia, which is why she has such an interest in it. She also has a Master’s in International Education, as well as being a certified yoga instructor. She is currently living in San Franciso with her young family. She likes to write stories that are fun and interactive, and she has several under her belt already.
Giselle can be found writing for her blog; Kids Yoga Stories, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. On Kids Yoga Stories you will find out more information about the other books Giselle has written, as well as articles and free resources such as colouring pages and more information about yoga and how it can be intertwined with language and culture around the world.
What is your favourite Australian Animal?
We received a copy of The ABCs of Australian Yoga in exchange for our honest opinions.

Giselle - Kids Yoga Stories says
Thank you so much to Crystal for a brilliant review. The pictures of your children are adorable! Smiles to all! 🙂
Crystal McClean says
Thank you for writing such an interesting book, Giselle! Your children will be grow with lots of health, culture, and fun 😉
Have a fantastic year!
Ashley Fryer says
My favorite is a kangaroo.
Kristan Price says
Platypus! They are super cute!
Katy Emanuel says
The koala is my favourite
Elsie says
I love the kangaroo,
and when I see one,
sometimes
it’s two!
Their pouches are cool!
Crystal McClean says
This is the most fun comment I’ve ever had! Thanks for brightening my day 🙂 Good luck!
Julie Grasso says
This looks like such a fun book and as an Aussie, I will of course love to read this book to my little G. As far as favourite Australian animal, I think I will go with Platypus. Thanks so much for joining us on the Kid Lit Blog Hop
Laura W says
I love the kangaroo
Lesley M says
Definitely Koalas!
Steph @ From the Burbs to the Boonies says
Wow, yoga for kids! I had never thought of that, but it really is the perfect indoor winter exercise.
Crystal McClean says
My children really enjoy it 🙂 And it’s more of a workout than you might think for them!
Cindy McElwee says
Kangaroo has to be so cute ~ & strong ♥
Jill @ Called To Be A Mom says
We totally need to get to exercising in our house! My kids are going stir-crazy with the weather we have been having.
Crystal McClean says
We have a small house, but you don’t need a lot of room for yoga! It also helps with balance and coordination which is fantastic!
Cassie Hayes says
Love the kangaroo and koala.
Tammy Doiel @creativekkids.com says
The pictures of the kids are so cute! I can see why they would love this book.
Crystal McClean says
Thanks, Tammy! It’s a fun way to get some exercise into their day 🙂
TheBargainBabe says
Probably the Kangaroo but I admittedly don’t know a lot of Australian animals. 🙂
Colleen @ MommieDaze says
My boys would love this. Their aunt lives in Australia, so they are very interested in it. They always have tons of questions for here when the talk to her on the phone.
Crystal McClean says
Isn’t it great to hear kids interested in other places? Good luck!
Sarah Bailey says
Koala
Judith R. says
My favorite is the koala bear.
Crystal McClean says
A cute animal indeed!
Rebekah says
This book sounds like great fun! I love how you always go beyond the simple things for your children’s education. Adding in extra books about each subject and doing special crafts and activities. I wish all mom’s could teach their children like you do. My favorite animal would be the Platypus, it is so unique. That is a Australian animal right? 🙂
Crystal McClean says
Thank you so much, Rebekah, you’ve made my month with your comment! Sometimes it doesn’t feel like we’re learning very much, but I guess we are 🙂
Good luck, and have a great weekend!
Rebekah says
This book sounds like great fun! I love how you always go beyond the simple things for your children’s education. Adding in extra books about each subject and doing special crafts and activities. I wish all mom’s could teach their children like you do.
Elizabeth H. says
kangaroo!
Carli says
Thanks for the great giveaway! Thanks for also posting it on Family Free Giveaway Link Up!
Adelina Priddis says
I love Koala’s! I just think they’re so cute.
Carli says
Its gotta be the koala! They are so cute!
Marya says
LOVE yoga and introducing it to my kids 🙂
Crystal McClean says
Great job, Marya! Keep up the good work 🙂