Trini's Big Leap
by Beth Kephart (Author) William Sulit (Illustrator)
Trini is the highest flyer, the strongest gripper, the most spectacular cartwheeler at her after-school club. She easily masters any gymnastic move her teachers show her, and always says, "I can do that."
But when she tries to construct buildings out of blocks like her friends do, she discovers that some things don't come as easily for her. Through the encouragement of her friends, Trini learns the value of collaboration and trying new things, even when they aren't so easy.
An afterword by the founder and CEO of The Little Gym Europe, outlines why it's important to encourage children to try new and difficult things.
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School Library Journal
PreS-Gr 1-Trini is a young girl who is full of confidence. Every day at Bounce and Build, she says, "I can do that!" And she can, without any help at all. Gymnastics is her superpower. Then one day she follows her friends into the Build area and discovers to her surprise that she's not terrific at building a castle out of blocks. Luckily, her friends have the solution--"We can do it together." As a team, they make an amazing castle. Trini is still a natural gymnast, but now she says, "You can do that!" as she helps her friends be great too. Together they say, "We can do that" as they build a tall tower. Solid text depicts Trini as relatable and confident but never smug. The spare illustrations clearly show a child's enthusiasm and gymnastic skill in addition to her dismay at her inability to excel for the first time. An afterword for parents discusses the importance of exposing children to challenging experiences. VERDICT Trini learns that not all skills come naturally, and that teamwork makes all the difference. A solid addition to most collections.-Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH
Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
"...encourages children to challenge themselves and others by exploring a variety of activities and experiences, having fun while forming healthy foundations for future success."—Foreword Reviews
Beth Kephart is the award-winning author of two dozen books, a teacher of writing at the University of Pennsylvania, and a co-founder of Juncture Workshops. Her essays, reviews, and interviews appear in publications ranging from the New York Times and Washington Post to LitHub, LARB, Catapult, Salon, Brevity, and The Millions. She lives outside of Philadelphia.
Alexander de Wit is an entrepreneur, investor and advisor. A Dutch national, he lives in Belgium and works out of Brussels, London, New York, and Singapore. Alexander has founded many successful companies, including The Little Gym Europe, a market leader in child development programs with franchises in Europe and the Middle East. His passion, and the common denominator to his many pursuits and activities, is to help people develop their potential. Married and the father of three children, Alexander enjoys discovering the world as a family, practicing alpine and water skiing, and acrobatic trapeze. I Can Do That! is his first picture book. de Wit lives in Belgium.
William Sulit is an award-winning illustrator, ceramicist, and designer. Born in El Salvador, he studied design at North Carolina State University and received his Masters of Architecture degree from Yale University. After working as an architect, a graphic designer, and a photographer, he has turned his attention to ceramics and illustration as his primary means of artistic expression. He is the co-founder of Juncture Workshops and he collaborates with his wife, Beth, in life, business, and art. He lives outside of Philadelphia.
JUV051000 - Juvenile Fiction | Imagination & Play
JUV039090 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | New Experience
JUV039140 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance
JUV032200 - Juvenile Fiction | Sports & Recreation | Gymnastics
Picture books
Persistence
Picture books for children
Confidence in children
