Moonlight Dunk Contest (A Barnyard Basketball Adventure) by Michael Hamburg Review
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A group of barnyard animals show off their love of basketball in the children’s story “Moonlight Dunk Contest”, the first book in the “A Barnyard Basketball Adventure” series!
The Synopsis
Moonlight Dunk Contest is a delightful bedtime story that captivates basketball fans of all ages. With a unique blend of court-savvy swagger and nursery rhyme imagery, this book takes the classic concept of sheep jumping over a fence and transforms it into an extraordinary dunk contest featuring the entire barnyard! Join the moon and stars as they become part of the enthusiastic audience, witnessing the awe-inspiring skills of these unassuming yet incredible animal players, all while, local network announcers provide the exciting play-by-play commentary.
Basketball enthusiasts will delight in discovering subtle references to legendary NBA and WNBA icons such as Allen Iverson, Michael Jordan, Brittney Griner, and Kobe Bryant, as well as familiar figures like ESPN’s Sports Center anchors. Keep an eye out, because you might even spot Mars Blackmon and Jack Nicholson sitting courtside!
Beyond the game, Moonlight Dunk Contest celebrates the values of friendship, inclusion, and self-expression, just like the sport it promotes. It aims to inspire and encourage young fans who may not have their own equivalent of “Casey at the Bat,” or a song like “Take Me out to the Ballgame” to sing as they drift off to sleep.
Even if you’ve never attempted a jump shot in your life, this book will still enchant you with its infectious rhythm, engaging illustrations, and uplifting message. It invites readers to embrace the exhilaration of reaching for the rim with boundless enthusiasm. Moonlight Dunk Contest is a must-read for basketball enthusiasts, bedtime story lovers, and anyone who appreciates the power of positivity.
The Review
This was a thoughtful and heartfelt children’s read. The emphasis on the sport of basketball to bring these barnyard animals together was well-meshed with the overall story, and the warmth of the illustrations really allowed young readers to connect to both the story and the characters themselves.
To me, the heart of this story rested in the themes the author was able to bring out in this book. The reader represents young kids who are constantly battling self-acceptance and self-expression. Finding that kind of openness and acceptance in this story through these animals’ shared passion for basketball helped to bridge the divides that so many young people have amongst themselves these days, making this a valuable lesson as well.
The Verdict
Heartfelt, captivating, and thoughtful, author Michael Hamburg’s “Moonlight Dunk Contest” is a must-read children’s book that is not to be missed. The twists and turns in the narrative, and the openness and acceptance that the book promotes, allow younger readers to engage in this story wholeheartedly and completely, making this one book that parents and children alike will bond over. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
Michael P. Hamburg has always loved the game of basketball. A Chicago native, he grew up during the Bulls golden era, and was more than happy to share a first name with the legendary Michael Jordan—if sadly—none of his skills on the court.
After receiving a B.A. cum laude in English from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, he later earned a Masters in Architecture at the Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago.
An aspiring writer, designer, and artist across many media, he and his young family are all voracious readers of children’s books.
Cow Dunked over the Moon (A Barnyard Basketball Adventure) by Michael Hamburg Review
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A daring cow takes to the stars to defy gravity and achieve the ultimate dunk in author Michael Hamburg’s “Cow Dunked over the Moon”, the latest entry in the “A Barnyard Basketball Adventure” series!
The Synopsis
Our friends from Moonlight Dunk Contest! return with another thrilling basketball-themed tale in Cow Dunked Over The Moon! This captivating story blends whimsy with impressive court savvy skills, offering readers a delightful journey into the world of extraordinary barnyard legends.
Remixing the beloved nursery rhyme, “Hey Diddle Diddle,” Cow Dunked Over The Moon! takes the familiar concept of jumping over the moon to astonishing new heights! Prepare for an exciting adventure as the determined cow defies gravity and embarks on a jaw-dropping dunk that will leave you in awe. Are you ready for some fun? Secure your quart-side seats and immerse yourself in this remarkable story as yet another barnyard legend takes flight!
Cow Dunked Over The Moon! is more than just an entertaining read. It is an inspiring tale that celebrates the values of perseverance, dedication, and the power of friendship. Follow along as the cow faces challenges, overcomes obstacles, and discovers the support of loyal friends who uplift and motivate. This heartwarming narrative reminds us all that with determination and the right companions by our side, anything is possible.
Join us on this thrilling basketball adventure that will capture the imagination of readers young and old. With vibrant illustrations and a story brimming with excitement, Cow Dunked Over The Moon! is a must-read for those seeking inspiration, laughter, and a touch of magic. Get ready to cheer for the unforgettable dunks and witness the birth of another barnyard legend!
The Review
The author did an incredible job of inspiring and delighting the reader with this fantastic children’s story. The balance between the basketball references and the impactful themes made this a thoughtful story. The friendship and mentorship that develops between the Cow and the Moon is a great source of entertainment and joy and will have younger readers clamoring for more from these two characters.
The heart of the story was in the strong themes the author brought to the story. The author not only honed in on the need for perseverance in the face of adversity and the importance of practice but also the strength that can come from leaning on others and being willing to learn to grow as a person, whether that be in sports or in life in general, making this story strand out amongst other children’s book stories.
The Verdict
Caring, engaging, and hopeful, author Michael Hamburg’s “Cow Dunked Over the Moon” is a must-read children’s book and a great entry into this children’s series. The delightful cartoon-style imagery the depth of heart that went into this story and the themes that kept it going made this one book that will bond readers with their parents time and time again. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
Michael P. Hamburg has always loved the game of basketball. A Chicago native, he grew up during the Bulls golden era, and
was more than happy to share a first name with the legendary Michael Jordan—if sadly—none of his skills on the court.
After receiving a B.A. cum laude in English from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, he later earned a Masters in
Architecture at the Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago.
An aspiring writer, designer, and artist across many media, he and his young family are all voracious readers of children’s books.
