Luna Loves Sport

by Joseph Coelho, illustrated by Fiona Lumbers

Interest age: 3 to 7
Reading age: 6+

Published by Andersen Press, 2026

  • Picture books

About this book

As school sports day approaches, Luna worries that she won’t be very good at it. Donning her lucky trainers and headband, and a water bottle, she looks the part, but on the inside, she’s really anxious about trying new sports. But with support from her parents and her best friend Abiola, she bravely takes part in a range of activities, including football, basketball, swimming, and hurdles. 

Luna Loves Sport is a heartwarming and encouraging picture book that celebrates participation, perseverance, and self-belief.  

The story delivers an important message for young readers: success is not about being the best, but about trying new things, having fun, and discovering what you enjoy. Luna and Abiola learn that everyone has different strengths and that it is perfectly normal not to excel at everything. 

The themes of friendship and overcoming self-doubt are presented in a warm and accessible way. The book also features a positive, healthy depiction of co-parenting. Luna’s mum and dad both take time to prepare her for sports day and offer words of encouragement. Combined with Fiona Lumbers’ bright, engaging illustrations, this is an uplifting and inspiring book that children will enjoy and learn from. 

About the author

Joseph Coelho is an award-winning children's author, performance poet and playwright based in London. He is also the Waterstones Children's Laureate for 2022-2024. His debut poetry collection, Werewolf Club Rules, was the 2015 winner of the CLPE CLiPPA Poetry Award. His second book, Overheard in a Tower Block, was shortlisted for the 2018 CLPE CLiPPA Poetry Award and is longlisted for the 2019 UKLA Book Awards. Joseph features in the BBC Teach 'Understanding Poetry' online series.

His work has poetry and performance at its heart, drawing on over 16 years' experience running dynamic creative literacy sessions in schools. He aims to inspire young people through stories and characters they can recognise.

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