(by Steve Hopkins)
Ping-Pong Paddles Can’t Talk! is a new book by Larry Hodges that is illustrated by Shalini Soni Mazumdar. It is a lively, rhyming picture book that follows a nervous boy named Kevin as he faces his first table tennis tournament. His paddle suddenly springs to life, offering comic encouragement. What begins as a story of pre-match jitters quickly becomes an fun adventure filled with some life lessons and some actual table tennis information and tips.
The narrative follows Kevin from packing his gear and worrying about losing, through the huge tournament hall, a practice session with a talented girl, and a tense match that tests more than just his strokes. Along the way readers learn practical table tennis concepts—backspin, topspin, serves, and the pressure of deuce—woven naturally into the action and dialogue. The story reaches a satisfying resolution that emphasizes honesty and sportsmanship. The story then jumps ahead six months to show the rewards of practice and continued effort.
Hodges, a USA Table Tennis Hall of Famer and longtime coach, mixes a playful sense of humor that kids will enjoy with his skills as a table tennis teacher. Mazumdar’s bright, expressive illustrations capture emotion—and add energy to the tournament scenes—making the pages visually inviting for young readers. The rhyme scheme is perfect for reading aloud, while the humor and repeating catchphrases help to keep the tone light.
This is an excellent choice for children ages 5–10 who enjoy sports stories or need a gentle nudge about facing fears and playing fair. This also doubles as a fun introduction to table tennis and ends with some basic rules and resources. Parents and coaches will appreciate the positive messages and making this book available in your area may have the added side effect of bringing young players to your club. Ping-Pong Paddles Can’t Talk! is a worthwhile addition to any young athlete’s bookshelf
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