Goodnight, pickleball

PreS-Gr 2--One of the world's fastest growing and most popular sports takes center stage in this cheerful and celebratory bedtime book. An unnamed young girl and her father prepare for the evening's match as spectator and player, respectively. As the child enthusiastically cheers from the sideline with other children, Dad weaves and wallops on the court. He emerges victorious and gives the narrator a thrilling gift--her very first paddle--before bidding the court, their teammates, the competitors, and the sport a good night. The child's excitement is endearing from start to finish, as she clearly delights in not only the sport but also being able to spend time with her dad, friends, and community. Sambuchino's rhythm is upbeat and lively before and during the game before transitioning to a gentle and calming path to bed. Cheerful artwork similarly evolves, with sunny spreads to start the story and a soothing nighttime palette to conclude it. Back matter includes a glossary of terms and the rules of the sport. The protagonist and her father present white; background characters are diverse. VERDICT If it's okay to center the father and leave the child on the sidelines, share this with young readers. This is a recommended and playful introduction to the sport.--Olivia Gorecke

A child is excited to watch Dad play pickleball in this rhyming picture book that's part primer on the sport and part homage to Goodnight Moon. Bright illustrations show the duo walking from home to the pickleball court. After Dad wins, he gives the child a paddle. As the two leave, the young narrator says goodnight to everything they're leaving behind, including the court and the bleachers. A glossary of pickleball terms and the rules of the sport are appended. (c) Copyright 2025. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.