A Feel Better Book for Little Sports

This installment in the Feel Better Books for Little Kids series offers a corrective to today’s hypercompetitive sports environment, aimed at both kids and adults. The message is inclusive: people of all nations, ages, races, and genders love and can benefit from sports… No matter what, the authors emphasize, it’s important to have fun and be a good sport… Timely and helpful.– “Booklist”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… 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 comprehensive and successful child’s introduction to competitive sports.– “Kirkus Reviews”

Leah Bowen has a Master of Education degree in counseling with a focus in play therapy. She is a licensed professional counselor and registered play therapist in the state of Texas where she currently practices, and she is committed to helping her child clients work through issues including abuse, depression and anxiety. Leah lives in Frisco, Texas.

Holly Brochmann is an advocate for managing common mental health issues through therapy and exercise. She has a degree in journalism and enjoys creative writing both as a hobby and as a primary part of her career in public relations. Holly lives in Alpharetta, Georgia.

Shirley Ng-Benitez is an award-winning illustrator. She illustrates and writes picture books and is the owner of the design firm Gabby & Company. She lives in San Martin, California.