Overview
Inhale, Exhale...Shoot!follows Kunall the Pelican, a talented young basketball player who loves the game-but when it's time to take the big shot, anxiety creeps in. His wings tremble, his belly tightens, and his mind fills with doubt. What if he misses? What if everyone is watching? Set in the colorful heart of New Orleans, this beautifully illustrated picture book offers more than just a story about sports. It gently introduces children to mindfulness and breathwork as tools for managing stress, self-doubt, and performance anxiety-on the court and in everyday life. With encouragement from his coach and support from his teammates, Kunall learns to center himself, take a deep breath, and trust in his abilities. Perfect for children ages 48,is an inspiring story of resilience, emotional awareness, and the power of staying present.
Full Product Details
Author: Holly MacKenna ,
Maeve Graffagnini
Publisher: Susan Schadt Press, LLC
Imprint: Susan Schadt Press, LLC
ISBN: 9798989403493
Pages: 32
Publication Date: 04 November 2025
Recommended Age: From 4 to 8 years
Audience:
Children/juvenile
,
Children / Juvenile
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active
Availability: Not yet available
This item is yet to be released. You can pre-order this item and we will dispatch it to you upon its release.
Reviews
“Inhale, Exhale...Shoot! is a powerful tool for helping children understand and manage big feelings through the familiar and inspiring language of basketball. Holly MacKenna and her twelve-year-old daughter, Maeve Graffagnini, beautifully blend mindfulness and movement, offering young readers practical strategies for both the court and everyday life. The vibrant illustrations bring each lesson to life, making complex emotions accessible and engaging for kids. With its focus on Trust, Exuberance, Adaptability, and Mindfulness, this book is a valuable resource for any parent, teacher, or coach looking to nurture confidence, resilience, and emotional well-being in children.”--Mike “Coach K” Krzyzewski is a Naismith Hall of Fame coach, a five-time national champion at Duke University, and a six-time gold medalist as head Coach of the US Men’s National Team.
Author Information
Dr. Holly MacKenna is an integrative psychiatrist, physician, and healer with over 20 years of experience in psychiatry and integrative medicine. A passionate advocate for mindfulness and mental well-being, she has dedicated her career to helping individuals find balance, resilience, and focus—both in life and on the court. As a longtime medical educator and chronic illness patient, she strives to improve public health and reduce mental health stigma through her work. Inspired by her family’s love of basketball and the experiences of her two children, Dr. Holly blends mindfulness and sports in a unique and engaging way. Inhale, Exhale...Shoot! is her debut children’s book, introducing young readers to the power of breath, perseverance, and finding their flow. Maeve Graffagnini is a middle school student in New Orleans who enjoys studying music, dance, and theatre. When she was eight, she developed symptoms of an autoimmune disorder and has since experienced firsthand the benefits of belly breathing and mind-body techniques. Maeve hopes to inspire other children to discover the power of mindfulness, movement, and resilience through storytelling.
