About the STORY:
Soma Finds His Rhythm isn’t just a story about a snake, it’s about nervous system regulation. Through Soma’s journey, the reader learns to calm the body, restore balance, and come back into presence.
Soma, a Peruvian emerald tree boa, is feeling down, and he’s not sure why. Luckily his friends come along to help him out. By managing their breath, moving their bodies, making sounds, and connecting with one another, the jungle friends come back into balance and end up having a joyful day.
Read the book to find out how you can feel better too.
-

GAIL SONNESYN
AUTHOR
Gail was a teacher and school administrator for 20 years prior to becoming a certified breathwork practitioner and functional breathing coach. After healing from a life-threatening disease as a young adult, Gail eventually founded Indigo Breath and Wellness, Inc. to help others recognize the importance of releasing stress from their physical bodies in order to maintain good health. Gail finds refuge in the Colorado mountains and is the proud mother of her adult twin daughters.
-

ANDREA CRANE
ILLUSTRATOR
Andrea is a mixed-media artist and illustrator. Her books have been collected by various institutions and libraries across America. Born in New Zealand, and having lived in Mexico, Cuba, Kenya, and Kuwait, Andrea considers the world her hometown. She found her passion for drawing in Kenya while observing animals in their natural habitats. Andrea currently resides in Colorado with her husband David and cat Lucy.
-

SOMA AND HIS FRIENDS
THE CHARACTERS
Soma the Snake
Sakala the Sloth
Howie the Howler Monkey
Olivia the Giant River Otter
Toco the Toucan
Watzin the Hoatzin Bird
-
Published by
Author’s Reading: Soma Finds His Rhythm
Over 21,000 views on YouTube!
Physiological Sigh Breathing Pattern
Featured in Soma Finds His Rhythm
Benefits Include:
Increase in lung efficiency.
Supports better O2 & CO2 gas exchange.
Engages the parasympathetic nervous system.
Steps:
1. Breathe fully in through your nose (100% capacity)
2. Next, sip up a little more air through your nose
3. Exhale VERY slowly through the mouth with a humming sound
HEARD ON THE STREET
This is a remarkable children's book. It couples amazing colorful illustrations with a story that teaches an impactful breathing technique to help bring calm and address anxiety and depression.
I work with special needs children (primarily autistic) who often experience anxiety when faced with the frustrations of their limitations. The breathing technique taught by this book can effectively bring relief by soothing a child experiencing such frustration and anxiety.
(Richard - Special Needs Worker and Book Buyer)
I discovered this book while I was learning to breathe again from Gail Sonnesyn (the author of this adorable book) after a visit from double pneumonia. I sent it to my grandkids who I also wanted to remind to breathe. They and their parents treasure it. Every child should have this book. (Lynne B., Breath Client)
A beautifully illustrated book that teaches children and their parents how to activate their own bodies to calm the stressors of life. We, like the animals in this story, are born with the necessary tools and but just need to learn to use them. (Russ - Parent)
My students really enjoyed this book. It created a group understanding of the benefits of breathing. Prior to reading it, I had often encouraged my students to take a deep breath when they were hurt or upset. Soma Finds His Rhythm provides an explanation as to why this works. It also slowly builds on the actions that lead to the most effective breathing, making it easy for students to follow along. The vibrant illustrations make it good for read alouds. We read the book and practiced the movements a few times. Now, it is part of our classroom cultures, and at times I’ll over hear my fifth graders coaching each other to breathe deeply. (S.E. - Teacher)