Children’s books should inspire and teach important lessons about life and character. Tony Dungy, former NFL player, current NBC sports analyst, and historic Super Bowl coach whose teams he coached made the playoffs each of the last 10 seasons, has once again teamed with his wife Lauren Dungy, the early childhood education specialist, to unveil a series of children’s books on August 7, 2018 from Harvest Kids, an imprint of Harvest House Publishers. The series kicks off with the first two titles, Austin Plays Fair and Maria Finds Courage.
The series showcases the Dungys’ love for children and highlights their desire to make a difference in the lives of young readers. Comprised of picture books for children first through third grade, these meaningful stories will inspire children everywhere and teach important lessons about character and integrity. In addition, the themes of competitiveness, patience, sportsmanship, and courage are also explored.
The books follow a diverse group of friends at an elementary school as they learn life and character-building lessons through the sports they play. Coaches Tony and Lauren appear as mentors at crucial moments in every story to help the main character work through a problem.
In Austin Plays Fair, Austin plays flag football for the Trentwood Tigers but there’s only one problem. His team has lost six games in a row, and he doesn’t like losing. At his next game, Austin’s teammate has a plan to trick the other team. It works, but Austin knows his team cheated to win. Coaches Tony and Lauren remind Austin the most important thing about football isn’t winning—it’s playing fair.
In Maria Finds Courage, she moves to a new town where her parents sign her up for the summer soccer team in order to help her make new friends. But Maria has never tried soccer before. She would rather be back on her old swim team. Maria is afraid she will be the worst player and no one will like her. Coaches Tony and Lauren remind Maria everything is new at first. Maria will have to find the courage to try something new to see if she likes it.
The Dungys say they are passionate about children and in particular, have focused on encouraging them to read as a means for opening up opportunities for them as they grow.
The Dungys have dedicated their lives to serving others and giving back. They generously open their home to foster or adoptive children, give their time to organizations like Mentors for Life, Boys & Girls Clubs, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Basket of Hope, Title I and many other charitable organizations. The Dungys are a force for good, making a difference in a wide range of ways and lives.
About the Authors:
Tony Dungy’s success in the National Football League as a player and coach, his induction to the NFL Hall of Fame, and his on-going role with NBC as an analyst clearly showcases his impressive career. He is the author of several books, including bestsellers Quiet Strength, The Mentor Leader, and Uncommon. However, it’s the work he and Lauren do outside of football that is truly his heart and soul.
Lauren Dungy is an early childhood educational specialist, best-selling author, and frequently sought-after speaker. A graduate of Duquesne University with a degree in elementary education, she taught school and volunteers as a reading specialist in Title I schools. Lauren has a great passion and love for children, and works closely with several adoption agencies and women’s shelters. She is a devoted wife and mother to ten children.
About the Publisher:
Harvest KidsTM, an imprint of Harvest House, a Christian publishing company based in Eugene, Oregon, creates a wide variety of products that promote biblical values, spark imagination, and encourage young readers up to 12 to develop a lifelong love of Jesus.The Harvest KidsTM line includes Bibles, picture books, devotionals, and other inspiring products, with a special focus on resources for tweens ages 8 to 12.