Do You See Me Playing Sports? by Tuula Pere is a children’s picture book that follows a young boy and his father as they visit a sports field. It explores the apprehension young children feel about engaging in sports. To the young boy, everything in the field is too big, loud, or dangerous. The grandstand and track are too long for him, and he does not understand why they have to shoot a starting pistol. He prefers the chipmunk games he plays with his friends that are safer with them jumping on cushions and playing comfortably barefoot in the grass. Understanding his predicament, the young boy’s father explains everything to him and comes up with a creative plan to help ease his fears and enjoy sports.

Sports are fun, but sometimes they can be rough and hectic. This may scare children who are used to the pleasure of gentler play. In Do You See Me Playing Sports? Tuula Pere educates parents and caregivers about recognizing and addressing their children's anxieties around sports. The author highlights the creative ideas that safeguard kids during sports like providing cushions when they fall in gymnastics, clapping instead of using a pistol to start a race, and playing soccer barefoot to prevent injuries. The story also emphasizes the importance of communication when navigating children's fears, illustrating how supportive dialogue between a parent and child can help them overcome anxiety and build confidence. Additionally, the colorful illustrations by Majigsuren Enkhbat perfectly complement the story and add humor to the narration. I enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone looking for a gentle and engaging way to address children's fears surrounding sports.

Visiting a big playground for the first time can be overwhelming for youngsters. Do You See Me Playing Sports? shows a child arriving at a large playground with their parent for the first time. Written by Tuula Pere, this picture book captures the experience of a young boy who feels a bit out of place when his father takes him to join his new sports group -- the Chipmunks. The young boy thinks the bar is too high, but he can still have fun just bouncing like a squirrel or a rabbit on the mat. It's no fun if someone has to shoot before a race as you can always start running without the bang of a pistol. Little ones would rather play soccer barefoot than wear cleats.

Competitive sports can be intimidating as children want to have fun when they play. Do You See Me Playing Sports? follows the story of a young boy for whom sports are just a way to have fun with friends. He doesn't want to hurt himself by doing something he doesn't like. The protagonist in this book would rather watch soccer on TV from the comfort of the sofa in his home than go to a game and sit in the stands alongside noisy, scary fans screaming all around him. Author Tuula Pere has done a wonderful job of tapping into the feelings of a child who isn't that fond of playing competitive sports. The artwork by Majigsuren Enkhbat is simple yet captivating. An engaging concept picture book for kids!