Award-winning barber, author, public speaker and international educator, Tom Chapman makes his children’s book debut!
Abel, his brother Drake and the rest of the Mighty Lions have made it to the final match against the Tigers. They know they have to win the cup, especially because their coach, the fans and their parents all expect it of them. But with the stakes getting higher as the game progresses, it becomes too much for the young footballers and they crack under the pressure.
They don’t win the match and are seriously disappointed in themselves. Worse, they’re worried they’ve let everyone down.
This important picture book portrays the incredible pressure that kids – and especially boys – can face on the field, and discusses how it needs to be addressed, for the sake of the young players’ mental health.
Tom Chapman
is the charismatic founder of The Lions Barber Collective, a charity that promotes suicide prevention and awareness, which focusses on men’s and boys’ mental health.
Introduction by Lauren Callaghan, Consultant Clinical Psychologist
The Mighty Lions & the Big Match
is a reminder that children can often feel a lot of pressure in their social relationships, at school, in the arts, and on the sports field, as highlighted in this book. Children are particularly sensitive to the messages that adults send to them, however well-intentioned, and can misinterpret any eagerness for them to succeed. This sports-themed book helps show that they can find support and hope in the future, even in the face of disappointment. And it also helps show adults that we can be driving forces to help children enjoy their activities and reduce any performance-related worries they might have.
is a wonderfully appropriate book for children and adults to read and discuss together, especially for the sports fans among us!