Kid Coach

Kid Coach sets out to help his “couch potato extraordinaire” father transform into a prize-fighting winner, beginning with strength training and vegetable eating, and working toward the “Wrestle-Rumble Mania Kingdom” championship. Donning a glittery, lime-green robe, an intimidated Dad defeats every opponent, growing ruder as he racks up the wins. Justus’s artwork, rendered in a vibrant, pink-forward palette, depicts beefy, inventively costumed wrestlers suited up against a comically scrawny Dad. In a sobering heart-to-heart, Kid Coach teaches Dad that getting off the couch is important, but “a true champion is about more than just being number one.” Dad succeeds in making amends only when true to his “humble couch potato beginnings,” bringing everyone together around a potato chip olive branch. The kid-turned-caretaker plot can feel a tad thin, but Justus’s positive messages about healthy confidence and good sportsmanship come through all the same. Ages 4–8. [em](Feb.) [/em]