On the Ball

Reach for this book when your child is ready to quit a new activity because they feel they aren't naturally gifted or 'good' at it. It is a perfect choice for children who struggle with physical coordination or feel the weight of performance anxiety on the field. The story follows a young boy named Rex who feels out of sync with the soccer ball until he learns to find his own rhythm through a blend of practice and imagination. This book is particularly effective for children ages 4 to 8 as it validates the frustration of being a beginner while celebrating the unique way each child approaches a task. By highlighting the intersection of sports and creativity, it helps children see that success doesn't always look like being the fastest or the strongest, but rather finding one's own 'magic' through persistence. Parents will appreciate how it models a growth mindset without being overly didactic.