A FEEL BETTER BOOK FOR LITTLE SPORTS

The emotional and physical experiences of winning and losing can be difficult concepts for young readers.

Brochmann and Bowen’s rhyming, singsong stanzas first introduce the physical benefits of sports before moving to emotional aspects like empathy, sportsmanship, and losing with grace. Speaking directly to young athletes, the book gives strategies and tips on how to handle big feelings. “So don’t spoil the fun / by losing your head. / When you’re feeling frustrated / try this instead…”—“this” being taking a timeout and doing some deep breathing. Ng-Benitez’s illustrations introduce a diverse group of child athletes participating in a variety of indoor and outdoor sports and use bright colors and quick lines to convey movement. The illustrations effectively accompany the text, with gymnasts tumbling across one double-page spread explaining how muscles grow from running and jumping and young soccer players in teams observing post-game rituals to illustrate sportsmanship. Readers will see the wide range of emotions players go through when they compete—frustration, joy, anger, and sadness—and learn they are all part of the game. A concluding note for parents and caregivers shares the importance of addressing all the upsides and downsides of competition as they introduce their children to sports and the fact that “feelings and behaviors are not mutually exclusive. Showing grace and kindness…does not mean you are not a tough or competitive player.”

A comprehensive and successful child’s introduction to competitive sports.