When my children were younger, the month of May often meant not only the approaching end of a school year for our family, but also the beginning of summer sports! I loved being out in the fresh air, cheering for young athletes, mingling with other parents, and enjoying sports and community. These picture books are five to read if you are feeling ready for summer sports, and the reminder that sports have many benefits on top of the physical aspects.
Written by Stephen Curry
Illustrated by Geneva Bowers
New York: Penguin Workshop, 2024. Picture Book.
Written by Naomi Osaka
Illustrated by Kamala Nair
New York: Harper, an imprint of Harper Collins Publishers, 2022. Picture Book.
This lovely picture book is written by a four-time Grand Slam tennis champion. The words have a sweet rhyming pattern to them, and there are a wide variety of sports depicted. I loved the vibrant illustrations and the natural way that the author talks about qualities that are important for athletes to strive to obtain. The children featured in this book truly look like they are enjoying each moment of moving their bodies and working towards being champions themselves.
By Ken Wilson-Max
Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press, 2024. Picture Book.
In this book, a young boy named Aaron lives by the beach with his family. He loves the ocean, but is very afraid of going all the way in the water. He and his family take seriously the task of keeping trash out of the ocean. It is fun to watch Aaron on his journey as he tries to get more comfortable going underneath the water. For anyone who has ever been nervous about the water, this is a great book about enjoying the process of overcoming fears.
Written by Andrew Larsen
Illustrated by Milan Pavlovic
Toronto: Kids Can Press, 2021. Picture Book.
Lenny and his dad are a great team! They love to practice baseball together and dad cheers Lenny on as he tries to progress and develop more baseball skills. I completely related to Lenny when in his first game he drops the baseball that is hit in his direction. The kids on the team were teasing him about it, but his dad was right there to cheer him on. Lenny has a great discussion with his dad about talent, persistence, practice, and devotion. I adored this book!
Written by Sharon M. Draper
Illustrated by Ebony Glenn
New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2024. Picture Book.
I think sometimes dance doesn't get featured the way it could when people are talking about sports. This fabulous book by Sharon M. Draper will make sure that dance, and specifically ballet, are talked about! The lovely font, and the spotlight on the cover, make this book instantly appealing from the very first look. The teacher in the book does a marvelous job making all the ballet students feel included and important. For any little dancer in your life who dreams big, please read this book with them.
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