8 Inspiring Gymnastics Picture Books for Kids: From Olympic Heroes to First Flips

Olympic gold gymnast Simone Biles has often been called the greatest of all time. And with 11 Olympic medals and 30 World Championship medals, it is easy to see why. This engaging biography traces her path from foster care to finding a supportive family and discovering her incredible talent. Young readers will follow Simone’s determination, courage, and hard work as she rises to the top of her sport. With bold illustrations and an uplifting tone, Flying High: The Story of Gymnastics Champion Simone Biles introduces kids to the value of perseverance and self-belief through the life of a true champion.

She’s Got This by Olympic gold medalist Laurie Hernandez is a joyful and inspiring picture book perfect for young children. It follows Zoe, a little girl who dreams of flying and falls in love with gymnastics. When she takes a tumble, she feels discouraged—but with support from her family, she learns that falling is part of learning. This beautifully illustrated book celebrates resilience, confidence, and determination, encouraging kids to keep trying, believe in themselves, and get back up when things get tough. It is one of my favorites for celebrating the falls we take on our road to success and one of the best gymnastics books for kids that I’ve read this year!

What is gymnastics like for beginners? What if it’s your very first class? Caldecott Honor winner Rachel Isadora has a simple and sweet look at a toddler gymnastics class through the eyes of a character named Jake. This book may spark an interest in gymnastics in the youngest kids or prepare them for a brand new experience if they’re trying gymnastics for the first time. Jake at Gymnastics is a short and sweet read that will get little listeners excited for tumbling class.

This is a playful and heartwarming picture book by Jonathan Van Ness, beloved star of Queer Eye. It follows Peanut, a one-of-a-kind guinea pig with big dreams of becoming a rhythmic gymnast. With flair, confidence, and a lot of sparkle, Peanut embraces every part of who they are—on and off the mat. Readers will see a gender nonbinary character take center stage in a fun and affirming way, helping normalize gender diversity for young audiences. With bold illustrations and a message full of heart, Peanut Goes for the Gold encourages kids to go after their dreams, celebrate what makes them different, and shine in their own unique way.

This award-winning picture book is a high-energy celebration of movement, imagination, and personal pizazz. Gymnastica Fantastica! introduces readers to a bold child who leaps, twists, and cartwheels through the pages with creativity and joy. With rhythmic text and adorable artwork, the book invites young children to move their bodies and rejoice in their individuality. Whether your child is a budding gymnast or simply full of energy, this story encourages self-confidence and fun. Recognized with the 2024 CBCA Book of the Year Award for Early Childhood, Gymnastica Fantastica! is a lively read that captures the spirit of play and the power of self-expression.

This title introduces readers to the life of a trailblazing gymnast who made history. It’s an accessible biography following Gabby Douglas’s journey to become the first black woman to win Olympic gold in the individual all-around. Through clear storytelling and striking illustrations, the book shows children how focus, hard work, and big dreams can lead to huge achievements. A part of the Leaders Like Us series, which focuses on black changemakers, this book also includes a timeline, questions for reflection, and a hands-on activity to spark conversation. It’s a great way to help children recognize role models who’ve overcome challenges to reach their goals.

A dynamic celebration of flips, confidence, and fearless individuality awaits in this picture book! Olympic medalist and world champion Fred Richard brings his own story to the page in Fred Flips! How One Gymnast Realized that Differences Can Become Strengths. It’s the inspiring tale of a black boy who finds his spark in a sport where he stands out in every way. With playful text and energetic illustrations, this high-spirited picture book follows Fred as he cartwheels past doubt and flips into self-belief. In a world where gymnasts often look different from him, Fred’s journey reminds young readers that being unique is something to cheer for. Bursting with motion, heart, and determination, this book can inspire kids to leap into their own greatness.

Ágnes Keleti was one of the most decorated gymnasts in Olympic history—but her path to the podium was far from easy. Born in Hungary, Ágnes was a nationally recognized gymnastics champion on her way to the Olympics. But when WWII broke out, Ágnes was forced to hide her Jewish  identity to survive. Twist, Tumble, Triumph: The Story of Champion Gymnast Ágnes Keleti is an engaging biography that follows her early love of movement, her strength through years of fear and change, and her return to gymnastics when others thought her career was over. With expressive illustrations and a thoughtful tone, this book shares Ágnes’s inspiring journey with young readers. Her story offers a window into history, while illustrating the power of holding onto what you love, even in the hardest times.