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Inhale, Exhale...Shoot! follows Kunall the Pelican, a talented young basketball player who loves the game—but when it’s time to take the big shot, anxiety creeps in. His wings tremble, his belly tightens, and his mind fills with doubt. What if he misses? What if everyone is watching?
Set in the colorful heart of New Orleans, this beautifully illustrated picture book offers more than just a story about sports. It gently introduces children to mindfulness and breathwork as tools for managing stress, self-doubt, and performance anxiety—on the court and in everyday life. With encouragement from his coach and support from his teammates, Kunall learns to center himself, take a deep breath, and trust in his abilities.
Perfect for children ages 4–8, especially those who experience anxiety, love sports, or need a calming reminder to breathe through big emotions. Inhale, Exhale...Shoot! is an inspiring story of resilience, emotional awareness, and the power of staying present.
“Inhale, Exhale...Shoot! is a powerful tool for helping children understand and manage big feelings through the familiar and inspiring language of basketball. Holly MacKenna and her twelve-year-old daughter, Maeve Graffagnini, beautifully blend mindfulness and movement, offering young readers practical strategies for both the court and everyday life. The vibrant illustrations bring each lesson to life, making complex emotions accessible and engaging for kids. With its focus on Trust, Exuberance, Adaptability, and Mindfulness, this book is a valuable resource for any parent, teacher, or coach looking to nurture confidence, resilience, and emotional well-being in children.”--Mike “Coach K” Krzyzewski is a Naismith Hall of Fame coach, a five-time national champion at Duke University, and a six-time gold medalist as head Coach of the US Men’s National Team.