You Are Brotherly Love A Book for the Littlest Kelce Brothers Fans, by Emma Carlson Berne and Narrated by Zach Barela

 

Available Oct. 14, 2025            Audio Book   c5m

Although my avid football fan days are behind me, I became a fan of the Kelce brothers when their two football teams opposed each other in the Super Bowl. Actually, it may have been their even keeled mother who most impressed me given her position, but I admired their humor and obvious respect for each other even then. Now, of course, given Travis' relationship with Taylor Swift, we see more of him than the retired Jason. As a result, I was curious to see how this book played out, weak pun intended. 

It took me a couple listens to sort this one out, I have to admit. The physical book is surely heavy on pictures and, unfortunately, we're asked to use out imagination upfront. Once I sorted out that the pace indicated that the narrator was moving through illustrations of the Kelce's life/career, helped along by the subtle sound effects utilized, it all made sense to me. As a teacher, I can see an opportunity to use the audio to promote children to imagine what they're seeing if you don't happen to have a hard copy of the book on hand. It'd also be fun to have them draw pictures fitting the sound/words from their own lives, I'd think. Anyway, that's the first section and it flew right along quickly. Very quickly.

The second section is more detailed, giving more biographical detail. Details range from their birth, love of sports, and attending the same college. You'll also find out the reason behind Travis' choice of jersey number. That was cool and something I'd missed knowing. In any case, while the narration sticks to the brothers, not bringing in any romantic issues, it seems relatively up-to-date, mentioning that Jason had retired but the brothers were doing a podcast together. 

Bottom line, once I sorted out my confusion over the briefness of the audio, it was an interesting, fun read. That said, while it could be made to stand alone, I tend to think it'd work best accompanying a read of the actual book. I'm actually curious to check out what the actual book looks like, I must admit. Thanks #MacmillanAudio for this early listen to a book dealing with a couple men that seem genuine good guys and are worthy of being offered as models for young fans. It's a positive message we can all relate to, one setting an excellent example for young people. 

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.

Every Dog Has His Day (Gone to the Dogs #5), by Janice Thompson

 

Publication July 1, 2023

This book makes you believe in "happily ever after".

A sweet, easy read from Barbour books, the focus is on dog rescue with a healthy dose of Christian living. The latter is subtle, however, and simply a part of the characters' daily life with the mystery and, of course, dogs, being the focus. A lost dog is found in an upscale neighborhood and fostered by one of those who cared for her after rescue. 

That's when things get complicated as it suddenly appears a large reward has been offered for the dog. Suddenly, people are coming out of the woodwork to try to claim the adorable, fiesty mini-dachshund temporarily dubbed Sasha. Then Sasha goes missing. Again. Turns out her owner is the high profile quarterback for the local professional football team and, well, not only single, but sweet and handsome. Can romance be far behind? But, first, who stole Sasha, er, Ginger? Surely it wasn't some cheap, cruel publicity stunt? Having the media tailing them is a nuisance, that's for sure.

I've thoroughly enjoyed this series but for some reason had trouble sorting out who was who this go-round. Possibly on me as I think I missed a book and it's therefore been awhile. Cozy mystery buff or not, I liked that there is no bloodshed and, oh, my, what a sweet moment at the end. I hesitate to say more and ruin the fun for readers. Football fan or not, you're sure to enjoy the easy friendships between the characters and, of course, that adorable mini-dachshund. 

Thanks #NetGalley and #BarbourPublishing - #BarbourFiction for letting me drop in on a remarkable team of dog rescuers. My own Daisy dog is a rescue, so that's a topic that's near and dear to me.

Head on: A Memoir, by Larry Csonka

 

Publication Oct. 4, 2022

Much to my surprise, I discovered Hall of Fame football player Larry Csonka and I have a bit in common. We were both born in rural areas in Ohio but spent many of our working years in Florida. That's where I first encountered Csonka, well, virtually via my tv screen, during his Miami Dolphin glory days. We both also felt Alaska calling us, although his call seems to have come much earlier than mine via a 1955 copy of Field & Stream that showed an Alaskan grizzly decimating a camp in Alaska on the cover. Mine call came from Gary Paulsen's "Woodsong", so I guess you can say we were both drawn by the power of images. I now live in Alaska and Csonka  operates a hunting/fishing tour in Alaska part of the year. Heck, he even lives in my general area. Yep, Alaska's call is strong.

In any case, while I found his football memories intriguing, it was the Alaska connection that drew me to his story, I must admit. That said, I'll never watch a football game again where the tv cameras pan to show us an encounter along the sidelines and just assume it's all business. The players may be focused on a game but the coaches and players are human, as are the officials, and Csonka  shares some humorous encounters and happenings in the process of telling his story. The injury levels are chilling, too. It'll help if you're a football fan, of course, but there's enough non-football to hold the interest of those who prefer the human story, the background that brought Csonka to where he is today, such as his sister being attacked and stabbed. It's also amazing to see how naive he was, even as a professional football player, "back in the day". Can you imagine any football player today, for instance, not being aware of female impersonators and the wonders and football mad frenzy of New Orleans when hosting a Super Bowl? Names like Elvis, Burt Reynolds, Joe Namath and, whoa, even Donald Trump entered and left his world. It's to his credit, although he was certainly no saint, that Alaska seemed to have a stronger hold on him than all the glamour of celebrity.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. If you're a football fan, whether of the Dolphins or not, you'll find the recounting of games and players fascinating. If you simply like intriguing memoirs that show where someone famous came from, you'll find his memories of his early days and family influences of interest, not to mention the fact that, whoa, Larry Csonka was once bullied unmercifully. That farm boy has come a long way. He also survived a horrendous storm in a relatively small boat on the Bering Sea while filming his show "North to Alaska," a memory that gave me chills while sitting safely on my own couch.

Bottom line, this one is a winner. It may not compare to a Super Bowl trophy and ring, but Larry "Zonk" Csonka has a winner in "Head On." Thanks to #NetGalley and #BenBellaBooks - #MattHolt for giving me this peek into my fellow part-time Alaskan, Larry Czonka.