In the first picture book written by and based on real-life tennis star Bianca Andreescu, a young athlete learns how to work through life's toughest moments through inner strength and meditation.
From the moment she wakes up, Bibi is very busy. Even before school begins, there are cartwheels to do, world records to break (38 minutes balancing a spoon on your nose), and her dog, Coco, to snuggle. Bibi's mother suggests she try a sport, but nothing feels right. Until she tries tennis. On the court, she feels strong and powerful. Her serve is like lightning, her backhand booms like thunder and her forehand is as fierce as a hurricane. But one day, everything changes when she is injured on the playground. Bibi is heartbroken, sad, frustrated and angry — she decides to quit tennis! But her mother, with a little help from Coco, shows her how to meditate and dispel the self-doubt and negativity. Bibi learns to focus on all the things that make her grateful and happy. And when her body is ready to go back to tennis, so is her mind. "Now every morning, I picture myself strong and powerful on the court. Just me and the fuzzy ball."
One of CCBC's Best Books for Kids & Teens (Fall 2022)
"It's a book that might encourage kids to head outside for some physical exercise — maybe even pick up a racket and one of those fuzzy yellow tennis balls." —Montreal Gazette
"[A] book written from [Bianca's] heart." —Sal's Fiction Addiction
"[T]his story teaches about dealing with pressure, unkindness, and setbacks, while also sending a message about working hard and following your dreams." —Story Monsters Ink
In the first picture book written by and based on real-life tennis star Bianca Andreescu, a young athlete learns how to work through life's toughest moments through inner strength and meditation.
From the moment she wakes up, Bibi is very busy. Even before school begins, there are cartwheels to do, world records to break (38 minutes balancing a spoon on your nose), and her dog, Coco, to snuggle. Bibi's mother suggests she try a sport, but nothing feels right. Until she tries tennis. On the court, she feels strong and powerful. Her serve is like lightning, her backhand booms like thunder and her forehand is as fierce as a hurricane. But one day, everything changes when she is injured on the playground. Bibi is heartbroken, sad, frustrated and angry — she decides to quit tennis! But her mother, with a little help from Coco, shows her how to meditate and dispel the self-doubt and negativity. Bibi learns to focus on all the things that make her grateful and happy. And when her body is ready to go back to tennis, so is her mind. "Now every morning, I picture myself strong and powerful on the court. Just me and the fuzzy ball."
Praise
One of CCBC's Best Books for Kids & Teens (Fall 2022)
"It's a book that might encourage kids to head outside for some physical exercise — maybe even pick up a racket and one of those fuzzy yellow tennis balls." —Montreal Gazette
"[A] book written from [Bianca's] heart." —Sal's Fiction Addiction
"[T]his story teaches about dealing with pressure, unkindness, and setbacks, while also sending a message about working hard and following your dreams." —Story Monsters Ink
