It’s a rare pleasure to see a girls’ book that deals with physical and emotional health.

“Um, Like … OM: A Girl Goddess’s Guide to Yoga,” by Evan Cooper is an extremely readable, fun introduction to the stress-busting activity that has brought fulfillment to so many adults. This volume (Little, Brown and Co., $9.99) shows that it can work for teens, too.

Conversational in tone, the handy little paperback sets up an unusually personal relationship with readers. Although it gives quite a few actual poses and instructions for doing them, the book’s greatest asset is its general text, aimed at inspiring confidence and self-esteem.

Cooper, who started practicing yoga as a teenager herself 10 years ago, obviously is in her element talking to girls. Her commentary is filled with upbeat advice. “Emotions are like the weather,” she writes. “Sooner or later, you’re going to get rained on. Stick around, and the sun will dry you off.”

A local yoga instructor who read “Um, Like … OM” told me it is an ideal introduction to the activity. She commented that it reaches to the heart and soul of the matter, far beyond the physical aspects. It teaches teens to develop a positive self-image – an important element in the lives of girls who invariably think they’re “too fat.”

At more than one point, Cooper lays it on the line. One section is entitled “Yoga Postures for the ‘Oh My God I’m Not Perfect’ Complex.” Compassionate and, above all, realistic, the author advises, “… it may feel unnatural or even uncomfortable to allow your tummy to expand outward. … To let go and surrender to the way your body is meant to be is a huge part of practicing yoga.”

She explains that yoga allows people to accept themselves for what they are, while helping them achieve physical and emotional peace. She quotes some of her students’ experiences:

“When I was doing yoga, I felt my body become longer, leaner … I just felt better. I felt happier with how I looked,” the student says. “And I never thought it could happen, but I really don’t hate my body anymore. The real difference it made was on the inside, though. I feel braver now.”

Along the way, Cooper wages war against the ravages of perfectionism. She strives to impart the message that yoga is one way to become free of extreme inner demands. And that process brings everyday rewards. She cites many examples that will make girls anxious to try it for themselves.

The book is an ideal way to learn to balance life. The only stipulation Cooper makes is that all kids should talk to a health professional before beginning to practice. In this, as in all other matters, she makes perfect sense.