Play matters. When our children get involved in sports or other physical activities, they build courage, resilience and character while learning the value of teamwork. The delightful new children’s series, Adventures with Divot & Swish, features relatable characters who travel the globe and embark upon exciting new adventures. Written by life-long golfer and educator Beth Brown, Ph.D., the stories aim to inspire kids to learn new “superpowers” through sport.
Divot is a golf-loving character who appreciates meeting new people from different places and cultures. Her friend Swish is a basketball fanatic who is a little shy, but always loves trying other sports and activities. In each adventure, the duo meets a new friend who introduces them to a sport they’ve never played before, and they experience the many emotions that accompany the conquering of these challenges. Through support and encouragement from their friend, Divot and Swish are able to gain valuable skills and develop “superpowers” through playing sports.
The first in the series, Adventures with Divot & Swish in Costa Rica, takes readers to the tropics where the duo meets Sammy the Surfer, who takes them through the lush jungle to a beach-side town where he’ll teach them how to surf. Like many children would be, Divot and Swish are nervous about surfing and afraid of what could happen if they fall off their surfboards. They follow Sammy’s lead and work to learn how to stand, balance and paddle.
Apprehensive and unsure of their abilities, Divot and Swish watch Sammy take on the waves before trying it themselves. Will they find their superpower of courage so they can have an incredible adventure surfing with the fish?
I had a chance to interview the author to learn more.
1. Why did you write Adventures with Divot & Swish?
I am a life-long educator on a mission to inspire families and kids to have fun, become more active and learn life lessons through sports in my children’s book series Adventures with Divot & Swish. After picking up a basketball at age 2 and swinging my first golf club at age 8, I was hooked on sports. My youth sport participation paved the way for collegiate success as a member of the University of Oklahoma basketball and conference champion women’s golf teams.
As my love for sports continued, I realized the unique opportunity sport has to impact not only physical abilities, but mental and emotional (life skill) development as well. This led me to earn my Ph.D. in sports psychology at the University of Kansas. Since then, I’ve been fortunate to be in position to influence and impact thousands of adults and kids through my roles as a golf coach, an educational program developer at First Tee and LPGA-USGA Girls Golf, and founder of the consulting agency, Team Aureus.
2. What makes this book series unique?
TRAVEL AND CULTURE
Divot & Swish are one-of-a-kind cartoon characters who represent my two favorite sports: golf and basketball. Divot is a golf loving character in the shape of a golf ball and grass divot that forms her golf skort. And Swish is a basketball fanatic in the shape of a basketball, a basketball rim, and net. They travel the world and, on each adventure, they discover a different culture in many places, including Costa Rica, Hawaii, Switzerland and Australia.
SPORTS & FRIENDS
During each adventure, a new friend teaches Divot & Swish how to play a new sport or engaging activity, such as surfing, football, skiing, mountain biking, soccer and dancing.
SUPERPOWERS
While playing sports with their new friend during each adventure, Divot & Swish develop superpowers of courage, resilience, teamwork, loyalty and many more.
3. Why is the story of divot & Swish essential at this time in our society?
With all of the negativity in our world, Divot & Swish bring positivity, an openness to learning, and a fresh look at the opportunity to use sport and physical activity to help make the world a better place.
Often-times people believe that simply by participating in sports, our kids will become better people. But research and practical experience tells us that this is not true. How many times have you seen a coach kicked out of a game, or a young person drop out of sports because of a negative experience? What we know is that with INTENTIONALITY we can help young people have fun and develop character through sport.
This book series, Adventures with Divot & Swish, enables parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, teachers, coaches and guardians to intentionally and positively impact the young people in their lives. This happens in a fun, engaging way as they develop values and learn life lessons as they experience a new sport and travel the world with Divot & Swish.
4. What do you think readers will like most about your book series?
The main characters Divot & Swish are relatable and unique. One 2-year-old said, “I love Divot & Swish” after her parents read her the book. And, an 8-year-old reader said, “I love Divot & Swish. They inspired me to have courage and they can show others too!”
In addition to the characters, kids of all ages are enjoying the colorful illustrations and one 2-year-old has asked her parents to read Divot & Swish to her multiple times and is already naming all of the animals and marine life in the book.
Author Beth Brown, Ph.D., is a life-long educator on a mission to inspire families and kids to have fun, become more active and learn life lessons through sports in her children’s book series Adventures with Divot & Swish. After picking up a basketball at age 2 and swinging her first golf club at age 8, Beth was hooked on sports. Her youth sport participation paved the way for her collegiate success as a member of the University of Oklahoma basketball and conference champion women’s golf teams.
As her love for sports continued, she realized the unique opportunity sport has to impact not only physical abilities, but life skill development as well. Since earning her Ph.D. in sports psychology at the University of Kansas, Beth has gone on to influence and impact thousands through her roles as a golf coach, an educational program developer at The First Tee and LPGA-USGA Girls Golf, and founder and owner of the consulting agency, Team Aureus.
When she isn’t writing the next adventure for Divot and Swish, Beth enjoys cheering on her beloved Sooners, riding her bike, and spending time with family, friends and puppy Truman. She is an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation and lives in Norman, Oklahoma.
For more information, please visit www.
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