<p> <b><i>An excellent book in every way ... Best of all, the book is accessible to early readers. Superb coverage of a popular sport.</i><br> --School library Journal <i>(starred review)</i></b> </p><p> This indispensable guide is simply the best book for beginners to the sport of artistic gymnastics. Illustrated with stunning full-color photographs of gymnasts balancing, tumbling and jumping, <b><i>The Gymnastics Book</i></b> features skilled guidance from a medal-winning, record-breaking gymnast who is now a noted instructor. </p><p> The topics covered in detail include: </p><ul> <li>Finding a good gymnastics club </li> <li>Qualities to look for in a coach</li> <li>Warm-up and cool-down exercises</li> <li>Entering competitive gymnastics</li> <li>Managing victories and losses</li> <li>The importance of family and friends</li> <li>Nutrition and apparel</li> <li>Financial aspects</li> <li>A typical day of training for competition. </li> </ul></p><p> The book is also filled with anecdotes and advice from Olympic stars, taking beginners behind the scenes and offering a no-holds-barred account of life as a competitive gymnast. New gymnasts featured include: </p><ul> <li>Shallon Olsen: At just 11 years old she ranked first overall in her age category. She now has the 2016 Olympics games in her sights. </li> <li>Kyle Shewfelt: To date, Kyle is the only Olympic Gold Medalist (2004, Athens) from Canada. </li> <li>Emily Boycott: A Special Olympics athlete and 27 years old, her team took home five gold medals from the 2007 Beijing Olympics. </li> </ul></p>