Children love to listen to real-life heroic stories. So, if you want your little ones to know about the greatest sports personalities of the Olympic Games, books are the best way to tell them about their inspirational journey. From colorful illustrations to easy-to-read and understandable language, all age groups will love these Olympics-themed children’s books. Moreover, incorporating facts about athletes from the ongoing Paris Olympics is a great way to tell them about athletes from every era.
G is for Gold Medal: An Olympics Alphabet
Help your kids learn the alphabet along with the history and traditions of the Olympic Games with this Olympics-themed children’s book written by Brad Herzog. From the first time it was held in ancient Greece to the cultural extravaganzas of recent years, this book is full of tidbits about incredible events and milestones in the Olympics. The book not only discusses those athletes who set world records but also showcases the events that impacted history and world views.
Unbeatable Betty
This Olympics-themed children’s book is excellent for inspiring little girls to never give up on their dreams. The picture book biography by Allison Crotzer Kimmel is about the first woman, a 16-year-old girl named Betty Robinson, who won a gold medal in track and field.
Flying High: The Story of Gymnastics Champion Simone Biles
As the title suggests, this is the inspiring story of Simone Biles. Written by Michelle Meadows, this lyrical picture book biography is about her journey of becoming a gymnastics champion and Olympics superstar. She spent her earlier years in foster care, and despite all the hardships, she never let failure stop her from achieving her dreams.
You can also read another Olympics-themed children’s book on Simone Biles by JaNay Brown-Wood named, “Simone Biles: A Little Golden Book Biography.”
Nadia: The Girl Who Couldn’t Sit Still
Written by Karlin Gray, it is the story of Nadia Comaneci, a feisty and fearless little girl who went from climbing trees in the forests of Romania to swinging into history at the 1976 Olympic Games, where she received an unprecedented seven perfect scores in gymnastics. However, Nadia’s journey to gold was full of many imperfect moments. It’s a great inspirational book for your little ones.
What Are the Summer Olympics?
Gail Herman will take you back to when the Olympic Games started. Although the games faded over time, they were revived again. Today, the Olympics is the most awaited international sporting event, with non-sports enthusiasts also anticipating the once-in-four-year celebration. So, if you want to educate your kids about the history of the Olympic Games and how it all began, this is a great book to start with.
Who Was Jesse Owens?
If your kids ask you this question, just hand them this book by James Buckley Jr. This Olympics-themed children’s book gives you a great insight into the legend’s life. His struggle and victory are mentioned in great detail in this book.
Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the World’s Fastest Woman
Written by Kathleen Krull, this award-winning tale is the story of Black Olympic runner Wilma Rudolph. It follows how Wilma overcame childhood polio and eventually won three gold medals in a single Olympiad.
Apart from these books, you can also read “Surfer of the Century” by Ellie Crowe, “Long-Armed Ludy and the First Women’s Olympics” by Jean L. S. Patrick, “Sakamoto’s Swim Club” by Julie Abery, “Muhammad Ali: Champion of the World” by Jonah Winter, and “What Are the Paralympic Games?” by Gail Herman. There are plenty of books to choose from to celebrate the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
So, which of these Olympics-themed children’s books have you already read or are planning to read with your kids? Also, did these books inspire your little ones? Do mention it in the comment section below!
