The Story
Join Kimi as she pirouettes onto the basketball court in this relatable story inspired by author Korey Watari's experiences and illustrated by her husband, Mike Wu, former Pixar artist and creator of the Ellie series.
Kimi just wants to focus on ballet, but she knows her dad really wants her to join the basketball team. Trying new things makes Kimi feel small, quiet, and uneasy. So her dad makes her a deal: If she gives basketball a try, he might just trade his sneakers for ballet slippers.
Kimi gives it a shot. At first it seems like all she is doing is fumbling, tumbling, and missing baskets. But her dad only encourages her more. Then he shares a story about her grandfather's famous moves on a Japanese American basketball team and why the sport is so special to their family. It's just the motivation that Kimi needs.
And what happens when Kimi takes some of her ballet skills over to basketball? Find out in this heartfelt story that's perfect for dancers and sports lovers alike, or anyone who's had to try something new.
Author: Korey Watari
Publisher: Two Lions
Published: 05/01/2026
Pages: 40
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.88lbs
Size: 11.26h x 9.40w x 0.34d
ISBN: 9781662509087
Audience: Ages 4-8
Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 03/09/2026
About the Author
Watari, Korey: -
Husband-and-wife team Korey Watari and Mike Wu live in Los Angeles with their two lively daughters. Their first picture book together, I Am Able to Shine, was a Bill Martin Jr. Picture Book Award honoree and a Goodreads Choice Award nominee.
Korey is a sansei, or third-generation Japanese American, born and raised in Los Angeles. She played basketball for a Japanese American league; graduated from the University of California, Riverside; and studied at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising. Korey has worked in the animation and fashion industries for companies such as Disney and the Gap. Learn more at www.koreywatari.com or follow her on Instagram at @tinyteru.
Mike is the author and illustrator of the acclaimed bestselling Ellie series, the first picture book of which was named one of NPR's best books of the year. He is also a former Pixar artist and has worked on films including The Incredibles, Ratatouille, Up, Toy Story 3, Coco, and Soul. His illustrations have been hailed as "reminiscent of classics like Harry the Dirty Dog and Curious George." Visit him at www.theartofmikewu.com or on Instagram at @wudog23.
Description
Join Kimi as she pirouettes onto the basketball court in this relatable story inspired by author Korey Watari's experiences and illustrated by her husband, Mike Wu, former Pixar artist and creator of the Ellie series.
Kimi just wants to focus on ballet, but she knows her dad really wants her to join the basketball team. Trying new things makes Kimi feel small, quiet, and uneasy. So her dad makes her a deal: If she gives basketball a try, he might just trade his sneakers for ballet slippers.
Kimi gives it a shot. At first it seems like all she is doing is fumbling, tumbling, and missing baskets. But her dad only encourages her more. Then he shares a story about her grandfather's famous moves on a Japanese American basketball team and why the sport is so special to their family. It's just the motivation that Kimi needs.
And what happens when Kimi takes some of her ballet skills over to basketball? Find out in this heartfelt story that's perfect for dancers and sports lovers alike, or anyone who's had to try something new.
Author: Korey Watari
Publisher: Two Lions
Published: 05/01/2026
Pages: 40
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.88lbs
Size: 11.26h x 9.40w x 0.34d
ISBN: 9781662509087
Audience: Ages 4-8
Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 03/09/2026
About the Author
Watari, Korey: -
Husband-and-wife team Korey Watari and Mike Wu live in Los Angeles with their two lively daughters. Their first picture book together, I Am Able to Shine, was a Bill Martin Jr. Picture Book Award honoree and a Goodreads Choice Award nominee.
Korey is a sansei, or third-generation Japanese American, born and raised in Los Angeles. She played basketball for a Japanese American league; graduated from the University of California, Riverside; and studied at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising. Korey has worked in the animation and fashion industries for companies such as Disney and the Gap. Learn more at www.koreywatari.com or follow her on Instagram at @tinyteru.
Mike is the author and illustrator of the acclaimed bestselling Ellie series, the first picture book of which was named one of NPR's best books of the year. He is also a former Pixar artist and has worked on films including The Incredibles, Ratatouille, Up, Toy Story 3, Coco, and Soul. His illustrations have been hailed as "reminiscent of classics like Harry the Dirty Dog and Curious George." Visit him at www.theartofmikewu.com or on Instagram at @wudog23.
