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. Deas’s cheerful artwork similarly evolves, with bright and sunny spreads to start the story and a soothing nighttime palette to conclude it. Back matter includes a glossary of pickleball terms and the rules of the sport. The protagonist and her father present white; background characters are diverse.