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Screenwise Verdict
This is a solid, sweet picture book that sneaks in genuinely useful life skills—meditation, perseverance, emotional regulation—without feeling like a lecture. The fact that it's written by Bianca Andreescu, who was a teenage tennis sensation, gives it credibility and makes it especially valuable for young girls who play sports or dream big.
It's not going to blow your mind with creativity or storytelling innovation, but it does what it sets out to do: introduce mindfulness concepts to little kids in a relatable way. The dog helps. The 5-star Amazon rating suggests parents appreciate the positive messaging.
If you've got a sporty kid or one who struggles with big feelings, this is a nice addition to the bookshelf. If your kid thinks tennis is boring, maybe skip it.
Age Fit
Perfect for preschool through early elementary (ages 4-8), especially kids interested in sports or who could benefit from simple emotional regulation tools. Upper elementary kids might find it too young unless they're specifically into tennis.
WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
92
A picture book about tennis and meditation written by Canadian tennis champion Bianca Andreescu, featuring positive themes of perseverance, mindfulness, and a dog named Coco. The content models healthy emotional regulation through meditation and sports practice—genuinely wholesome without being preachy.
Imaginative
68
While the book introduces meditation and mindfulness concepts to young readers in an accessible way, it's fundamentally a biographical sports story. The inclusion of meditation techniques and a dog character adds some creative elements, but this isn't particularly inventive or imagination-sparking territory for picture books.
Safe
98
Picture book for ages 4-8 with zero safety concerns. Sports, meditation, and a dog—there's literally nothing here that could surprise or upset a young reader. Books are generally safe, and this one is exemplary.
Enriching
85
Introduces mindfulness and meditation to young kids through the lens of a real professional athlete. Teaches perseverance, emotional regulation, and the connection between mental and physical practice. The fact that it's written by an actual tennis champion (Bianca Andreescu won the 2019 US Open at 19) adds authenticity and potential inspiration, especially for young girls in sports.
Parent Info
✓
Why It Might Be Great
Written by an actual professional athlete (2019 US Open champion), so the sports and mindfulness connection feels authentic rather than preachy
Introduces meditation and breathing techniques to little kids in a totally accessible, non-woo-woo way
Great representation—a young woman of color excelling in an elite sport, perfect for kids who need to see themselves in their heroes
The dog angle gives younger readers an emotional entry point beyond just tennis and meditation talk
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What to Watch For
If your kid has zero interest in sports, this might not land—it's definitely tennis-forward
The meditation concepts are great but brief; don't expect a deep dive into mindfulness practices, just an intro
Conversation Starters
"Have you ever felt nervous before something big? What helps you calm down?"
"Bibi uses breathing and meditation before her tennis matches. Want to try taking some deep breaths together?"
"What's something you want to get better at? How do you think you could practice?"
"If you had a dog like Coco to help you stay calm, what would you name them?"
