The Way Champs Play

November 15, 2022
Decorated tennis champ Osaka serves a lesson on sportsmanship. A young Black narrator stretches to greet the morning--the protagonist is preparing for a day at Play Academy, an actual institution founded by Osaka to help keep girls playing sports as they grow. The child quickly joins a group of friends--diverse in terms of race and ability--as they practice and play. From the tennis court to the polo pitch, their concentration and determination are fierce. Whether playing soccer, football, or basketball or swimming, these young athletes practice, play fair, and support one another even in the face of failure. The strength and composure of the gymnast, a Black child with Bantu knots, shows how hard work pays off. The narrator quickly reminds readers that after practice, a cool-down is required. The whole group breaks to practice yoga, and before heading home to rest, the narrator reminds readers of the qualities that make a true champion--honesty, patience, and perseverance. The playfully rhyming text matches the pace of the illustrations, bursting with energy as the athletes race along the track and exuding peaceful calm while they pause to meditate. The oft-repeated "We are champs, and we play all day!" is delivered at infrequent intervals, so it doesn't have the ideal cheer-chant vibe that would have worked even more effectively. Still, Nair's adorable illustrations shine, and overall, the packaging for the message is as sweet as the underlying sentiment. (This book was reviewed digitally.) With its big-name author, this book is a Grand Slam. (author's note) (Picture book. 4-7)

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