Picture Book Friday

WHITNEY WINS EVERYTHING is the second Tiny Ninja Book by Sasha Graham. 

 Whitney is a talented, determined little girl who sees every experience as a competition – eating the most mac and cheese, brushing her teeth, getting picked first at school. After all, if you can’t be the BEST, then what’s the point?

Whitney soon discovers that winning isn’t everything. First, she doesn’t get invited to a special birthday party because everyone knows she’ll win all the party games.  Then, her new soccer coach suggests they not keep score and just play for fun during practice. Ridiculous!

As with Graham’s first book, there’s a tiny ninja present to act as a subtle voice of conscience in this story about teamwork. That subtlety is a quality that is particularly appealing in Graham’s writing. The tiny ninja doesn’t lecture, but provides an opportunity for conversation that allows Whitney to discover answers for herself as she talks out her disappointment and confusion.

The lively, humorous text is a delightful read and touches on important themes of teamwork, kindness, and friendship.

Valieva’s colorful artwork is action-packed and includes a seek-and-find component challenging young readers ages 4-8 to locate the tiny ninjas hidden in the illustrations.

The press release for WHITNEY WINS EVERYTHING indicates that a portion of each book sale will be donated to Phoenix Rising FC Youth Soccer Foundation to fund soccer scholarships. 

Recommended for home and school libraries. 

And be sure to check out MILO DOES NOT LIKE MORNINGS, the first in a series that is sure to be a hit with young readers and parents.