Attend any children’s yoga class and you’ll probably find reading on the lesson plan. Kids of all ages love story time, and adding crafts inspired by kid’s books is a fun way to bring the story to life or support the class lesson.
Be sure to check out my other posts on teaching yoga to kids.
In this post, I’m sharing 20 crafts inspired by kid’s books. You’ll find both popular non-yoga books as well as several yoga and mindfulness stories.
Sprinkled throughout, you’ll find corresponding breathing exercises and yoga poses to make your planning a little easier.
20 crafts inspired by popular kids books
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
This first two books are by Eric Carle, a popular children’s author who has published more than 70 books for kids.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar helps children with days of the week, counting, and the life cycle of a caterpillar.
Craft: Egg carton caterpillars like the ones from Crafty Morning
Yoga Poses:
The Grouchy Ladybug
Another book by Eric Carle, The Grouchy Ladybug teaches about time, size, shapes, being friendly and having manners.
Craft: Mixed media ladybugs like the ones from Walking by the Way
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
I had to include Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault because it was not only my step-daughters’ favorite book, but my son’s too.
Craft: Tree craft like the one from I Heart Crafty Things
Yoga Poses:
Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems is only one of many in his Pigeon series. Each one is as fun as the other. Check out his other titles like The Pigeon Needs a Bath.
Craft: Pigeon Paper Plate Craft like the one from A Little Pinch of Perfect
If You Give a Pig a Pancake
In If You Give a Pig a Pancake by Laura Numeroff, follow along as pig starts her day with pancakes and syrup, then dancing, tree house building, wall paper hanging, and back to pancakes.
Craft: Paper Plate Pancake like the one from Glued To My Crafts Blog
Kids will enjoy all the versions by this author and any corresponding crafts you can come up such as If you Give a Dog a Donut or If You Give a Cat a Cupcake.
The Color Monster
In this brightly illustrated book by Anna Llenas, The Color Monster wakes up feeling angry, happy, calm, sad and scared all at once. Through color, the monster learns how to sort out his mixed up feelings.
Craft: Popsicle Stick Monsters like the ones from Create Play Travel
Breathing Exercise: Use dragon’s breath and let their inner monster roar
The Good Egg
In The Good Egg, by Jory John and Pete Oswald, kids learn the importance of taking care of themselves and accepting those we love even when we don’t agree with their behavior. There’s also The Cool Bean.
Craft: Good Egg Pipe Cleaner Glasses like the ones from The Activity Village
crafts inspired by kids yoga books
The Yoga Bunny
The Yoga Bunny, by Brian Russo, wants to share yoga and relaxation with his friends the lizard, bird, and fox.
Craft: Cotton Ball Bunny like the one from Our Kid Things
Yoga Poses: Follow along with the poses in the book
Moody Cow Meditates
This playful story by Kerry Lee MacLean tells of Peter, the moody cow, who’s having a bad day until his grandfather teaches him how to calm his mind and let go of frustrations. There is also Peaceful Piggy Meditates.
Craft: Paper Plate Cow Craft like the one from Crafty Morning
Giraffes Can't Dance
In Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae and Guy Parker-Rees, all Gerald the Giraffe wants to do is dance and learns how to do it by following his own tunes.
Craft: Popsicle Stick Giraffe from Glued to My Crafts Blog
Yoga Poses:
Goodnight Yoga
Make Good Night Yoga by Miriam Gates a part of your wind down routine. In this story, kids follow their favorite characters from nature as they close down for the night. Don’t miss out on the companion book, Good Morning Yoga.
Craft: Sunflower Cupcake Liner Craft like the one from The OT Toolbox
Yoga Poses: Follow along with the poses in the book.
You are a Lion
In You Are a Lion by Taeeun Yoo, kids will learn yoga poses in a fun way by imitating animals like butterflies, snakes, and lions.
Craft: Pasta Noodle Lion Craft like the one from Crafty Morning
Yoga Poses: Follow along with the poses in the book.
The Puppy Mind
In The Puppy Mind by Andrew Jordan Nance, a young boy discovers his mind is like a puppy, always wandering away, into the past or the future.
Craft: Paper Bag Puppy Puppet like the ones from The Inspiration Edit
Master of Mindfulness
Featuring illustrations done by kids, Master of Mindfulness (How to Be Your Own Superhero) by Laurie Grossman provides helpful practices kids can use to manage emotions, focus better, stay calm, and fall asleep at night.
Craft: Popsicle Stick Superheroes like the ones from Glued to My Crafts Blog
Yoga Poses:
FINAL TIPS FOR KIDS YOGA AND CRAFTS
With a little imagination you can turn almost any children’s book into a story and craft perfect for your kid’s yoga classes.
Keep in mind the age of your audience when selecting books and crafts. Little minds and little hands will need simpler books and crafts.
If you need more ideas for crafts, check out my Kid’s Activities + Crafts Pinterest board.
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