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Since she was a small child, Dawn Marie Hooks has had passion for picture books, hugging her favorite book (instead of a stuffed animal) while sleeping. As she grew, her love for art and children’s literature grew, inspiring her to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Science in Education. Soon Dawn began writing and illustrating her own picture books.
With watercolor illustrations and engaging text, Dawn creates stories about dreams, determination, and overcoming challenges. She is a mom, teacher, professional artist, coffee addict, and World Champion Wakesurfer. Dawn resides in sunny Arizona with her husband, a cuddly cockapoo named Maui, and two daughters who love art as much as she does.
Visit Dawn at dawnmariehooks.com for free teaching and activity guides.
Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers' Favorite
Catching Waves by Dawn Marie Hooks is an inspiring story about Raleigh Hager, a girl who became the youngest professional wakesurfing champion in the world. After a family trip to the beach, Raleigh was captivated by the waves and determined to ride them. However, living in central Texas, far from the coast, posed a challenge. Undeterred, Raleigh began practicing on a nearby lake, where she learned to ride the waves created by speedboats and honed her wakesurfing skills. Her participation in competitions fueled her motivation, and her victories encouraged her to push even further. Ultimately, her hard work paid off, and she achieved her dream of becoming the youngest professional wakesurf champion, earning a promised pet pig from her parents as a reward for her accomplishments.
Catching Waves is based on real events and aims to inspire young readers to dream big and persevere. It emphasizes the importance of practice and determination when facing challenges, illustrating that hard work can lead to extraordinary achievements. The narrative is engaging, featuring vivid descriptions of characters and settings. Dawn Marie Hooks uses simple language that is easy for children to understand, with bold words that capture the reader's attention. The book includes a glossary of wakesurfing terms, providing an educational element for readers interested in the sport. Colorful illustrations by the author beautifully depict Raleigh's journey, with a consistent blue theme that reflects the water, giving the book a calming and inviting feel. Overall, Catching Waves is an inspiring tale of ambition and resilience that also serves as an educational resource, making it perfect for young adventurers dreaming of conquering their own waves.
