Quarto Kids | 8 July 2020

July Book List: 8 Books For Sports Fans

This month we’re taking care of our minds and our bodies! Get outside and get active with these encyclopedias, biographies, and how-to guides about your favorite sporty pastimes.


Amazing Athletes
By Jean-Michel Billioud and illustrated by Gonoh
Ages 7-10, 96 pages, hardcover


Records smashed… incredible athletic feats… Medals won… the top 40 Olympic athletes of all time are here!In this fun, fact-packed book from the 40 Inspiring Icons series, learn how these athletic stars became the best in the world.Each spread presents a single athlete, highlighting key facts about their careers, honours, stats and legendary performances, along with a fun, illustrated depiction of them. Every athlete is a winner in their own way, but who will you choose as your hero?


Jesse Owens
By Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara and illustrated by Anna Katharina Jansen
Ages 4-7, 32 pages, hardcover


The youngest of ten children, Jesse grew up working in the cotton fields of Alabama. Discovered by his high school track and field coach, Jesse quickly rose to fame as an athlete. He went on the challenge racism on the world stage at the 1936 Berlin Olympics and made new world records. This moving book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the athlete and activist’s life.


The Big Book of Soccer by MUNDIAL
By MUNDIAL and illustrated by Damien Weighill
Ages 6-12, 112 pages, hardcover


Dive into the world of football with this mega book of everything to do with the beautiful game. Learn all the lingo; meet the greatest players, managers and teams from both the men’s and women’s games; take masterclasses with the pros; wander through the haircut hall of fame; learn the most iconic goal celebrations and more.


Sportopedia
By Mark Long and illustrated by Adam Skinner
Ages 7-11, 112 pages, hardcover


Sportopedia is your ultimate guide to the exhilarating world of sport. Learn amazing facts about all your favorite sports, and discover new ones you may not have come across before. Whether you’re into team sports, target sports, track and field, or aquatic sports, this book showcases a diverse array of athletes – male, female, able-bodied and Paralympians – and celebrates the unique talents of sportspeople everywhere, making it a treasure trove for all the family to share.


Muhammad Ali
By Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara and illustrated by Brosmind
Ages 4-7, 32 pages, hardcover


When he was little, Muhammad Ali had his bicycle stolen. He wanted to fight the thief, but a policeman told him him to learn how to box first. After training hard in the gym, Muhammad developed a strong jab and an even stronger work ethic. His smart thinking and talking earned him the greatest title in boxing: Heavyweight Champion of the World. This moving book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of “The Greatest’s” life.


Sports in 30 Seconds
By John Brewer and illustrated by Tom Woolley
Ages 8-11, 96 pages, hardcover


With fast facts, mini missions, and engaging artwork, Sport in 30 Seconds is a must for kids who enjoy watching or playing sport. Fascinating facts about our most popular team and individual sports are combined with sections on sports science, the Olympics, the health benefits of sport and the history of sport to make this book a clear winner for all junior sport fans. Each topic is presented in a concise 30-second summary, supported by a 3-second flash soundbite and full-color artwork. Fun, active elements for kids to make-and-do support the topics, encouraging them to test, explore, and discover more.


My First Book of Pilates
By Rida Ouerghi and illustrated by Elsa Fouquier
Ages 3-6, 30 pages, board book


You are never too young for Pilates! Featuring colorful step-by-step guidance,My First Book of Pilates gives kids an introduction to the popular exercise program adults have enjoyed for so many years. A series of simple and fun introductory exercises, guided by familiar movements and illustrations, encourages children to get to know their bodies through flexibility, coordination, and play. This charming book encourages both children and their parents to get up and move, promoting physical activity, learning, and togetherness. A dozen poses have been specially selected for their efficacy and approachability, and each page compares one of the 12 poses to an example kids can understand, such as stretching like a swan, curling up like a hedgehog, or kicking like a frog.


Wilma Rudolph
By Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara and illustrated by Amelia Flower
Ages 4-7, 32 pages, hardcover


Wilma was born into a family with 22 brothers and sisters, in the segregated South. She contracted polio in her early years and her doctors said she would never walk again. But Wilma persisted with treatment, and she recovered her strength by the age of 12. At school, Wilma showed a talent for basketball and sprinting, earning the nickname “Skeeter” (mosquito) as she ran so fast. Wilma was in college when she went to the 1960 Olympics. She not only won gold in sprint events, but also broke world records with her sprinting skill. She had beaten polio to become an Olympic champion. She is a huge inspiration to many women in sports around the world. This moving book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the athlete’s life.


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