Head over Heels Gymnastic Storybook for children – my review

I was excited to have been asked to review a new children’s book offered by Head Over Heels Gymnastics.  They are a company that specialise in instructional gymnastic books, as well as DVD’s and apps, all suited for children and parents who may want to support their children in learning gymnastics.  Now, they have released a storybook all about two children who join a gymnastics class, but feel daunted by the prospect of starting something new and making new friends.

Bendy Wendy and Jumping Jack join a new gymnastics class

I knew that this would be perfect for my daughter W as, not only is she an excitable 3 year old that loves to read, but she loves to perform, dance and move!  She loves to put on a show so I had no doubt she would love to read this book with me.

So what is the book all about?

The book is based around two characters called Bendy Wendy and Jumping Jack who are nervous and apprehensive to attend and take part in a gymnastics class – a daunting new experience for them.  After making new friends and watching the fun activities, the two children are pleasantly surprised and find out it is not as daunting as they first expected. By the end of the book, Bendy Wendy and Jumping Jack have made lots of new friends and are joining in with learning new skills.

The book really focuses and highlights the emotions that are felt by the two children, especially around the fear of starting something new and how that may feel for a child.  This is a great way of allowing a child who is reading this book to understand that it is ok to not only feel that emotion, but to not feel alone if they have ever felt this way before.  It is also a great way of encouraging children to try something new, something adventurous or something that they may be scared off (within reason!)

Bedtime stories reading ‘Bendy Wendy and Jumping Jack join Gymnastics’

Lots of giggles reading this fantastic book

This book also shows diversity in that the characters are all different, whether it be gender, disability or race.  It allows children reading the book to become aware of diversity from a young age and gives them the opportunity to ask questions and find out more about different cultures, races, genders and disability.

What did we think?

My 3 year old daughter W really loves this book and the first time we read it, she was acting out the move and positions that are shown in the book and showed confidence and excitement around trying something new at home.  I certainly think that this book also allows children to have their mind opened up to gymnastics if that haven’t considered it before – W surely wants to try it out and is already booked onto a local gymnastics and dance class for a trial!

Interested?  Check out the Head over Heels website here.

Thank you Head over Heels for letting W add this book to her collection – she is thoroughly enjoying it and practicing her new gym skills!

Fancy another book review?

This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.