Touchdown! Fun Picture Books to Read for the Super Bowl

This picture book tells the story of one football’s current brightest stars as part of the Little People, Big Dreams series. From backyard games to Super Bowl victories, Patrick Mahomes’s story highlights determination, creativity, and the value of being a team player. The lively illustrations capture the energy of the sport, while the simple text makes his journey relatable to kids who dream big—on the field or off it.

Celebrated author and illustrator Don Tate’s latest picture-book biography, Pigskins to Paintbrushes: The Story of Football-Playing Artist Ernie Barnes, introduces young readers to the idea that sports stars can have multiple dimensions to their personalities. As a boy, Ernie Barnes didn’t care about sports like the other neighborhood boys, and he found comfort in art instead. He later went on to become a football star after reluctantly joining his school’s team, but he never gave up his passion for art and became known as an artist and an athlete.

This entry-level football book helps kids understand how the game works—from kickoffs and touchdowns to teamwork and cheering crowds. Using photographs, bold graphics, and easy-to-follow explanations, it breaks down key terms and plays in a way that feels exciting and fun. This title is ideal for older preschoolers through early elementary readers who want to learn more about the sport. It’s also available as a sturdy board book.

Follow Chester: A College Football Team Fights Racism and Makes History is a powerful title that inspires kids to combat discrimination through the powerful story of Chester Pierce, a football player at Harvard University in 1947. When the team was scheduled to play the University of Virginia, Jim Crow rules forbid Chester from playing, but his team rallied around him. Chester became the first black college football player to play a game below the Mason-Dixon line—and went on to become a tenured professor at Harvard Medical School.

Miss Mary Reporting: The True Story of Sportswriter Mary Garber introduces kids to a legendary reporter and role model for breaking barriers in the sports world. From playing quarterback with the neighbor boys to attending football games with her dad, Mary Garber always loved sports, but the sports world didn’t seem to hold a place for her. When newspapers were low on reporters during World War II, she finally got a chance at her dream job: writing about sports. Inspired by Jackie Robinson’s courage on the baseball field, Garber went on to a 58-year career in sportswriting. Along the way, she carved a path for more women and brought more equality to sports journalism by covering black athletes.

This book gives kids a fun look at everything Super Bowl, explaining how the tradition began, why it’s such a huge deal, and what makes game day special—from the football action to halftime shows and unforgettable commercials. Author Dina Anastasio packs in plenty of interesting facts about famous players, record-breaking moments, and how teams earn their place in the championship. This title gives a more in-depth explanation of the ins and outs of the biggest game in football and is aimed at kids around 7 to 12—although younger megafans may also enjoy the deep-dive.

How could you make football even more fun (at least for little listeners)? By adding dinosaurs!

In Dino-Football, dinosaurs take the field for the annual Mega Bowl. The Greenblade Snackers and the Redscales battle it out with big plays, silly fumbles, and even a dino halftime show. Lisa Wheeler’s playful rhymes make the story bounce along, while Barry Gott’s illustrations bring every dinosaur to life. Little ones will giggle at the dino fans in the stands and learn a few football words along the way. It’s a fun choice for kids new to football and seasoned fans alike.

Get ready to cheer for one of the most impressive athletes in history. Unstoppable: How Jim Thorpe and the Carlisle Indian School Football Team Defeated Army tells the true story of Thorpe, a Native American sports star who could do it all—playing football, basketball, baseball, and even winning Olympic gold for the United States! This exciting picture book focuses on a specific episode in Thorpe’s life: when he and his teammates from the Carlisle Indian School used skill, speed, and heart to beat the mighty Army team. With an inspiring message about teamwork, courage, and pride in your heritage, Unstoppable is a terrific read and a compelling reminder that determination can overcome obstacles.

Gabby really wants to try out for the football team—but she hasn’t ever seen a girl play. With encouragement from her dad, she signs up anyway and discovers she can shine on the field in her own way. It’s a sweet tale celebrating a girl who follows her dream and challenges the idea that “only boys” belong in that game. Bright illustrations by Beatriz Mello bring Gabby’s try-out and game to life, giving children an opportunity to cheer for a character stepping into something new.

This special title was written by a kid, making it super relatable and fun for other children to read, as well as an inspiring example to encourage other young writers. Malajsha Mollett, 13, authored this delightful game-day read. It tells the story of a girl who loves football and refuses to sit on the sidelines when others say she doesn’t belong on the team. Mollett’s story brings football excitement to the page, making readers cheer for every play. It’s a super book for the Super Bowl or anytime you want to share a story full of determination, friendship, and a child going after what they love.