Libby’s footy adventures by Libby Birch & Robin Tatlow-Lord

Libby loves playing sport. She is good at everything she tries: ducking, weaving, running, and tries a range of sports. Her best friend, Mia is excited that Friday is coming, because Friday is footy colours day and several members of the AFLW are going to be there. But this is one sport Libby feels uncomfortable about. She feels that she does not have the skills necessary for this sport. But when Mia lends her her special orange footy boots, Libby’s skills take off. She has her friends all around her encouraging her and showing her the skills she needs. Each of the ways the footy is held, thrown and kicked are shown, including some funny moments when the oddly shaped ball bounces away from the player.

At the end of the session, Libby feels much happier about her footy skills, and is congratulated by the AFLW players who noticed that Libby kept on trying. Mia tells Libby that she can keep her boots and Libby runs home to tell her parents about her terrific day. After that Libby joins a team and plays footy in the local area with her friends. As each Saturday progresses so do her skills, and she proudly kicks her first goal to win the match.

An entertaining story about one girl’s introduction to AFLW, Libby Birch stresses the need for practice and confidence as she develops her abilities in the game of football. An introduction by Libby on the first endpaper shows her stress on enjoyment and this is carried through with this story, that of enjoying yourselves with family and friends.

Bold illustrations by Robin Taylor-Lord reflect the skills and enjoyment of the game, of being involved, of being with family and friends. The illustrations are tinged with humour and show some of the skills needed for footy.

Themes: Football, AFLW, Skills, Family, Humour.

Fran Knight