Champ by Payam Ebrahimi. Illus. by Reza Dalvand

A wonderfull look at growing up within a family with high expectations, Abtin knows that he is very different from his forebears as he ponders the array of framed pictures on the walls. Each of his ancestors is sporting a medal of some sort, recognising their abilities and achievements. Ferocious, muscled bodies look down upon little Abtin, expecting that he will be next.

But Abtin is not like them, he is not good at sport, despite being told what to eat to become a champion, how to train to be a champion, how to sleep to better his chances of becoming a champion. He is always reminded how clever his relatives were, how they made great achievements and how they expected him to do just as well, not to dampen his family’s name. But Abtin loves different things: we see him reading and painting, and children will readily see how he is imposed upon by his family, wanting him to be like them.

Readers will love seeing the adults in the book leaning over the child, Abtin. On several pages the adult is enormous, dwarfing the little Abtin, encouraging the audience to feel at one with Abtin. They will see Abtin rejecting all pressure to fit in with the family, keeping true to himself and what interests him. 

The use of a limited number of colours adds to the feeling of intimidation. The illustrator, Reza Dalvand brings a fresh and bold style to the book infused with humour and zest. More about this Iranian illustrator can be found here. 

Abtin does not like making his family feel hopeless about him and determines to do something to make everyone feel good. What he does will tickle the readers, making them laugh out loud at his solution.

This lovely book promotes  self worth, self knowledge, of being strong in the face of alarming and present pressure, but with a large dose of humour designed to keep readers laughing at what is an important part of growing up.

Themes: Self worth, Intimidation, Bullying, Humour.

Fran Knight