A Child’s Guide Series
Our Child’s Guide Series of books covers the most fundamental life lessons we’ve learned as parents and coaches including how to lose with poise, win with dignity, the importance of honesty, and so much more.
Delilah and the Missing Curtains: A Child’s Guide to Gratitude and Happiness
Young Delilah the Ant, in her quaint new treehouse home, has everything she could ever want…except one thing, pink curtains! Will these curtains make her happy, or will she just want something else after she gets them?
“…Brittany Farkas’s masterful illustrations infuse each page with warmth, charm, and vibrant detail, perfectly capturing the story’s spirit.”
Midwest Book Review
“Young children will instantly enjoy the cute art and engaging, rhyming format of this book that follows an attention-grabbing pace.”
Don’t Make Noise Lose With Poise: A Child’s Guide to Losing
It’s okay to feel disappointed if you don’t win, but it’s not okay to throw a fit and quit. This book teaches kids to be resilient, to be able to learn from their setbacks, and to continue to practice and move on to the next game.
“This engaging installment in the “A Child’s Guide Series” offers a lighthearted yet impactful lesson on resilience, sportsmanship, and self-growth.”
Carol Thompson, Reader’s Favorite
“A handbook for sportsmanship”
SmallWonder, Amazon
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Coming Soon…
Our next book is in the works and it’s going to be A Child’s Guide to Perseverance.
This subject is near and dear to our heart and we can’t wait to share it with you. Stay tuned!
Reviews
“Delilah is not just a picture book. It’s a tool for emotional literacy, a gentle meditation on gratitude, and a heartfelt reminder that contentment is a skill—not a possession. It manages to be age-appropriate, psychologically sound, and genuinely moving—all in under 40 rhyming couplets.”
“Young children will instantly enjoy the cute art and engaging, rhyming format of this book that follows an attention-grabbing pace. And this topic, gratitude, is one children of all ages need to be reminded of, especially in this materialistic culture.”
“Through the story of Delilah the Ant, children learn that true happiness often comes from appreciating what they already have. The book’s rhyming couplets and charming illustrations by Brittany Farkas make it an engaging read for ages 4–8. I believe that “Delilah and the Missing Curtains” is more than just a picture book; it’s a valuable resource for teaching children about the importance of gratitude and finding joy in the present moment.”
“Delilah and the Missing Curtains is a heartwarming tale that explores the notion that our deepest desires can often feel just out of reach—and that even when fulfilled, they may not bring the satisfaction we imagined. This insightful story shows readers that true happiness lies in gratitude and appreciating the present moment.
Author David Farkas skillfully weaves themes of contentment and the quiet strength of gentle persuasion, offering young readers a meaningful lesson in emotional awareness.
Complementing the narrative, Brittany Farkas’s masterful illustrations infuse each page with warmth, charm, and vibrant detail, perfectly capturing the story’s spirit.
Filled with a cozy, inviting atmosphere, this delightful book encourages readers to turn the first page and keeps them engaged, eagerly expecting how the story will end.”
Midwest Book Review
“With delightful, serene illustrations that blend colored pencil art and playful graphics, the story’s (Delilah and the Missing Curtains) lyrical style not only entertains but also imparts a profound message about gratitude and perspective. By teaching children the significance of appreciating what they have, Farkas aims to equip them with valuable tools for happiness and contentment.”
Small Ant, Big Life Lesson
Delilah and the Missing Curtains: A Child’s Guide to Gratitude and Happiness by David Farkas is a story that will entertain readers of all ages while teaching a simple lesson to make them see how they should always be grateful for what they have in their lives.
“Don’t Make Noise Lose with Poise is a delightful and meaningful picture book that gently introduces young readers to the importance of handling setbacks gracefully.”
Carol Thompson, Reader’s Favorite
About Us
David started coaching the Shaquatics Water Polo program over 25 years ago, while Coach Brittany has over 15 years of coaching experience. Their motto for the program, ‘Teaching life through a sport,’ became a central theme of their coaching. This theme continues today with their Child’s Guide Series of books. They want to bring the lessons they’ve been teaching their students in the pool to their own children as well as to kids all over the country.
Coaches
You can find Coach David and Coach Brittany on our Shaquatics YouTube page.
Parents
David and Brittany are parents to three young kids and have learned so much from the humbling experience of being a parent.
Teachers
We’ve always been teachers at heart and now we homeschool our three kids, so it’s official!