DESCRIPTION
A collection of poems that’s sure to be a winner
This delightful poetry collection is the perfect cheerleader for young athletes . . . especially ones who may not be the most athletic. Edward van de Vendel introduces readers to a world where elephants figure skate, frogs win the Diversity Olympics, and a pig quits the football team for gymnastics, even though everyone laughs at his leotard. Paired with winsome illustrations, the poems—sometimes silly, sometimes sincere—encourage young readers to pursue their goals, try their best, and take pride in themselves, whether they win or lose.
This irrepressibly joyful book from an award-winning team will have readers cheering for more.
AWARDS and RECOGNITIONS
National Council of Teachers of English Notable Poetry Books List (2019)
Alabama Department of Education Camellia Children’s Choice Book Award Nominee (2019-2020)
REVIEWS
Publishers Weekly
"Meditative and dryly humorous. . . . Urges readers to try and beat the odds, while reminding them that there’s also nothing wrong with coming in last."
Kirkus Reviews (STARRED review)
"Lighthearted poems extol sport and human achievement—and the importance of losing. . . . Motivational and kind, these light poems and illustrations will embolden readers."
— Booklist
"Erlbruch's colorful, anthropomorphic illustrations are gems, adding humor and details to the verses and depicting a great variety of sports—high jump, boxing, badminton, diving, and so on. . . . Translated from the Dutch, the verses read remarkably smoothly and sweep the categories for sportsmanship and spirit."