Two animals form an unbreakable friendship in this cheerful, yoga-inclusive picture-book sequel.
A gray and purple royal elephant has everything he could wish for—except a friend. Then a stray dog enters the palace grounds and asks to share the elephant’s food, and the two form a bond. Later, a merchant visiting the palace takes the canine away, which leaves the elephant bereft. It’s only after the palace adviser explains the elephant’s heartbreak to the king that the two animals are reunited once again. Moyer and Hudson, the authors of the previous Yoga Storytelling Adventure The Impossible Dream (2017), offer a simply told story in accessible English with a few Hindi words, defined in an introductory glossary. All of the human characters refreshingly try to do their best; they realize their error in separating the animals and react with kindness. Pitcher’s playful illustrations beautifully show the elephant’s emotions; when she and the dog meet again, the elephant’s coloring changes to a joyful purple-pink. At the end of the book, Moyer and Hudson, both yoga teachers, clearly encourage young readers to do yoga poses named after the story’s characters, including the elephant, the king, and the dog.
A pleasant tale of friendship with a happy ending—and extra yoga inspiration.
Kirkus Review
Forever Friends is sure to become one of your child’s favorite books with lessons that will follow into adulthood and beyond. The subtle integration of Sanskrit words honors the Indian origin of yoga, while expanding awareness of a different language and alphabet. The posture selection that accompanies the story adds a special dimension that children will enjoy. Instead of just listening to the story, they can become the story. My four-year-old grandchild loves it.
Lanier Cordell, Yoga Therapist Certified IAYT, 500 hour E-RYT, Certified Chair Yoga, Children’s yoga teacher, writer and more.
As a yogi and a mother, I am always looking for better ways to keep my littles engaged in our practice. We love The Impossible Dream and were excited to read Forever Friends. The authors have the uncanny ability to reach children without dumbing down the text. The language drives my kids’ curiosity while the story’s relatability keeps them engaged and prevents distraction. The wholistic message keeps them talking about the lesson for days and asking to repeat the practice over and over. I couldn’t ask for a more beautiful experience.
Lori Lawson, Mother of 9
Forever Friends is an adaptation of an Indian folktale about love and friendship. This lovely tale features an unusual friendship between an elephant and a dog. As children experience the story through words, pictures, and yoga, they learn that friendships with those unlike ourselves are not only possible, but fulfilling. What a nice way to teach about friendship and diversity!
Peggy Thibodeaux, retired librarian
★ 2020-03-26
Two animals form an unbreakable friendship in this cheerful, yoga-inclusive picture-book sequel.
A gray and purple royal elephant has everything he could wish for—except a friend. Then a stray dog enters the palace grounds and asks to share the elephant’s food, and the two form a bond. Later, a merchant visiting the palace takes the canine away, which leaves the elephant bereft. It’s only after the palace adviser explains the elephant’s heartbreak to the king that the two animals are reunited once again. Moyer and Hudson, the authors of the previous Yoga Storytelling Adventure The Impossible Dream (2017), offer a simply told story in accessible English with a few Hindi words, defined in an introductory glossary. All of the human characters refreshingly try to do their best; they realize their error in separating the animals and react with kindness. Pitcher’s playful illustrations beautifully show the elephant’s emotions; when she and the dog meet again, the elephant’s coloring changes to a joyful purple-pink. At the end of the book, Moyer and Hudson, both yoga teachers, clearly encourage young readers to do yoga poses named after the story’s characters, including the elephant, the king, and the dog.
A pleasant tale of friendship with a happy ending—and extra yoga inspiration.
