This book is a heartwarming, humorous and historical guide for parents who are raising their kids as Philadelphia sports fans despite living behind sports enemy lines. The story follows a family who is different...sports different. They like teams from a faraway place where the parents grew up called Philadelphia.
When the parents sadly moved away from Philly, they knew they weren't in a "for who, for what?" scenario. They couldn't imagine their kids rooting for the teams in their new town. Because they were in here talkin' about the kids, not practice, they needed an Answer.
So they crafted a plan where they would educate these Whiz Kids on the merits of cheering for the Eagles, Phillies, Sixers and Flyers while living in this Philly sports hostile territory.
What follows is a children's book filled with colorful and engaging illustrations, wrapped in a parent's guide surrounded by fun easter egg facts on the history of Philly sports and fandom with topics explored including:
Teaching the kids all the Philly sports chants, dressing their infants in Philly gear and even willing their Philly sports allegiance through pillow pet osmosis.
Wisely deciding NOT to educate the kids on the many sports miseries we've endured (though, sadly, some topics are chronicled).
Instead giving them a Brotherly Shove towards the magical traits of their sports heroes.
The kids buying into their magical Philly traits in unique ways even drinking pickle juice before their warm weather games.
Jealous neighbors trying to steal their Fightin' Philly Spirit.
It's hard to believe, Harry, but these Philly fans will also have their share of High Hopes and Philly Specials.
And, of course, teaching the kids about our rivalry with the Dallas Cowboys.
As an appendix, there are additional topics educating kids on our Philly sports history (don't worry, there's nothing in there about Chico Ruiz).
At the end of the book, there are blank pages for you to write about your Philly sports memories and to affix pictures of you and your kids rooting for Philly teams.
Even the illustrations all have little Philly Easter Eggs in them while the back of the book jacket has fun quotes from our sports history.
Along the way, it's fun to stop and explore videos on your computer with your children on things like Allen Iverson's practice speech, Brad Lidge falling to his knees as the Phillies win the World Series, or Nick Foles and the Philly Special.
The book is great for parents to read to their little ones, while also serving as a book kids will want to keep on their bookshelves referring back to as they grow up living behind Philly sports enemy lines.
To paraphrase Merrill Reese's Super winning call: Displaced Philadelphia fans everywhere...this book is FOR YOU!
