Common Sense Media Review
By Regan McMahon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fun look at Olympic history, what it takes to be a champion.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
This engaging book in the How Do series explains the history of the Olympics and what it takes to become an Olympic athlete. It also highlights a few well-known Olympians, including gymnast Simone Biles and tennis star Naomi Osaka, not only for their athletic talent but also for exemplifying positive values and giving back to their communities. HOW DO YOU BECOME AN OLYMPIAN? is filled with "Fun Facts" and delightful illustrations that add humor to the sea of information. A relaxed question-and-answer format allows for silly speculations with fanciful illustrations followed by solid answers. For example, when the question "Have the Olympics existed since before the dinosaurs?" a boy imagines dinos on the tumbling mat and says, "Look at that Vaultasaurus rex!" The last spread in the book invites kids to "Host Your Very Own Olympic Games in Your Backyard," offering instructions on how to make an Olympic torch with a flashlight, make your own Olympic medals with jar lids, use a frisbee to have a discus competition, research countries around the world and pick one to represent, etc.
Is It Any Good?
This lively look at the Olympics brims with fun facts about the competitors and basics about how you can go from a kid playing sports in school to a champion on the world stage. The tone of How Do You Become an Olympian? is light and upbeat, but there are lots of positive messages about dedication, perseverance, and following your dreams. There are also thoughtful reflections on why we watch the Olympics to see people doing extraordinary things. "Those extraordinary things are usually not about the actual sport but rather about watching them stay calm under pressure, put others before themselves, and work hard to make their dreams come true."
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the many sports shown in How Do You Become an Olympian? Are there any you'd like to try? Are there any you're already good at?
What are the most interesting facts you learned in the book about the Olympics?
How do Olympic athletes show courage and perseverance? Which Olympic sports rely on strong teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Srimalie Bassani
- Genre : Picture Book
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance , Self-control , Teamwork
- Book type : Non-Fiction
- Publisher : Flowerpot Press
- Publication date : March 12, 2024
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 7 - 10
- Number of pages : 36
- Available on : Paperback, Hardback
- Last updated : July 22, 2024
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