Patrick , by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara , Guillherme Karsten (Illustrator)

 Publication Jan. 23, 2025

Once upon a time, Patrick Mahomes dreamed of being a baseball star. His father was a professional pitcher, so that's probably natural. Well, he became a star, just not in baseball. Although he was an all-around talent in several sports, eventually football won Mahomes' heart. The Kansas City Chiefs and fans are glad he made that decision.

While I know Mahomes name and face from his football highlights, and there are many, I realized I knew nothing about him as a person. Well, I did recall a wife and child but that was about it. So, this book taught me a few things, too, even though aimed at children. As it turns out, Mahomes comes from a divorced family and was largely raised by his mother. His athletic skills carried him through high school and on to college where he eventually settled on football as his primary sport. Several Super Bowl appearances and championship titles later, the world knows his name. 

While I rather wished this book had focused more on the person of Patrick Mahomes and not quite so much on his football status, it does give us a glimpse into what formed him. Even as a casual football fan it's seemed to me that he's relatively humble, taking neither his success for granted or himself, for that matter. Those aspects are definitely well earned and a reminder to the youngest wannabe sports star that responsibility comes with success, too. 

The illustrations are simple yet effective with lots of Kansas City Chief colors, I might add. That said, they also show him with his family, both his parents and his own. Readers can take inspiration from him and come to see that talent isn't the only thing required to be a success. You have to be smart enough to take advantage of that talent without losing track of what's important. Mahomes seems to grasp that idea, making him someone to not just idolize but try to emulate, both as an athlete and person,. Thanks @QuartoPublishingGroup - #FrancesLincolnChildren'sBooks for this early peek into the life and times of a talented, well-rounded, and well-grounded young man. I'm sure we will hear more about him in the future.