Ready for the summer? Consider taking a look at the Perfect Picture Book Fridays page to fill up your summer reading list.
Written by Brian Jordan
Illustrations by Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu
Just Us Books, Inc., 2006
Suitable for: Ages 4 and up
Theme/Topic: Determination, Siblings, Athletics
Opening: When Brian was a little boy,
he was eager to do everything.
But he especially loved to play sports.
Brief Synopsis: Brian likes to play sports, but his older brother and sister didn’t like him following them and tells him he’s too young. Brian insisted he can play. His abilities are tested in a game one day.
Link to Resources: Sports preschool lesson plans. The Brian Jordan Foundation was formed in 1998 by Brian Jordan both a Major League Baseball and a National Football League player. The foundation’s site explains its mission — In every child, there is the potential for excellence. Reading through the foundation site provides plenty of topics about success, failure and how some children need help to improve or thrive.
Why I chose this book: This book came to Enzo via an author visit at my niece’s school in Georgia. We’ve read it several times. It’s a little stilted in places, but the message to be determined and focus shines through. The illustration and story holds Enzo’s interest. The Brian Jordan Foundation encourages children to “Be Focused. Be Dedicated. Be Determined. And you will be a winner.” The story does this too.
As a writer, I enjoy digging a little deeper into the PPBF books and thinking. Some items make it into the Friday posts like this Cynthia Leitich Smith’s interview with the husband and wife illustration team of Jordan’s book. Others are just gems to study.
To find more picture books and resources, please visit Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog and look for the Perfect Picture Books page.
Susanna Leonard Hill
This looks like a good one, Stacy. I’m happy to have another book about sports on our list. Is this autobiographical? Thanks for sharing!
Stacy S. Jensen
I’m not sure Susanna. I’ll send an email to the Brian Jordan’s foundation to clarify.
Heather
It looks like a pretty intense game from the image on the cover! Beautiful artwork.
Stacy S. Jensen
Heather, the illustrations are very good.
Beth Stilborn
I so appreciate books that let the underdog (or younger sibling) shine! Thank you!
Stacy S. Jensen
Beth, Yes. Brian was an underdog in this one.
Kirsten Larson
I’m going to keep this one in mind because I’m sure this issue will pop up in our house eventually. Thanks Stacy.
catherinemjohnson.wordpress.com
I really must get this for my son who is getting in trouble for not finishing his work in class. Thanks Stacy!
Karen S. Elliott
Good share, Stacy!
Stacy S. Jensen
Thanks @Kirsten, @Catherine and @Karen
clarbojahn
Thanks, Stacy for adding this book to our list. This book seems to be about feeling left out and then overcoming that. It seems to be about empathy. Just like my book about the new girl. We need books that tell other kids how the other guy is feeling. 🙂
Stacy S. Jensen
Yes. Clar. Similar to your new girl book.
Julie Hedlund
This is a very thoughtful choice. I love finding books outside of the bestseller list that have something important to contribute. Great message for kids!
Stacy S. Jensen
Julie, True. Lots of books have something important to contribute, but don’t always make a bestseller list.
Joanna
Love this message and appreciated the link to the interview, Stacy!
Stacy S. Jensen
Joanna, Glad I found the interview.
Amy D
Love this: In every child, there is the potential for excellence.
I think it takes time for kids to figure out what they love, and what they can be excellent at. We just have to be patient and let them explore lots of different things so they can find what excites them enough to pursue that excellence.
Thanks for sharing, Stacy!
Stacy S. Jensen
Very true Amy.
Michael Offutt, Tebow Cult Initiate
A great picture book. Children need to be encouraged, and this can show them how.
Stacy S. Jensen
Michael, True. Children need to be encouraged.
patientdreamer
Yes this is a great little picture book with a big message. It reminds me of one of my nephews who is smaller than his younger brother and he has now found his niche in sports… “diving” of all things and he is only 5 years old. Quite the expert I believe. Thanks for sharing Stacy.
Stacy S. Jensen
Diane, That’s an interesting sport choice. I’m glad he’s found his niche.
Vivian Kirkfield
Yes, Stacy…great book that will help kids value their strengths and learn about mastering tasks and skills. The links and resources look wonderful…great review! Enzo is a lucky boy to have a momma who reads so many books to him. 🙂
Stacy S. Jensen
Vivian, I’m a lucky momma that he enjoyes reading.
Debbie Maxwell Allen
Enzo will be such a reader–I can tell already!
~Debbie
Stacy S. Jensen
Fingers crossed Debbie!
This Kid Reviews Books
Great pick! I like the topic of this book and the message of believing in yourself. I have a question: What does “stilted” mean?
Stacy S. Jensen
Erik, In a couple of spots, the story didn’t flow as it should (or just sound right). It seemed stiff or unnatural. Otherwise, it’s a good story with wonderful illustrations.
heylookawriterfellow
Hi Stacy,
I just nominated you for a Versatile Blogger Award because, well, I really like your blog! (I suppose that is self-evident.)
http://mikeallegra.com/2012/05/26/my-versatility-responsibility/
All the best,
Mike
Stacy S. Jensen
Thanks Mike.
Barbara
I love books for kids with the message of focus and determination!
❀Barbara❀
Grade ONEderful
Ruby Slippers Blog Designs
Stacy S. Jensen
Barbara, Focus and determination are always good.
Patricia T.
Oh, I was looking at boy’s sports books while I was gone and didn’t find anything this interesting. I like it a lot. Nice Choice!