Splinters

Reach for this book when your child feels discouraged by a lack of resources or is struggling to find their place in a competitive environment. It is a perfect choice for the young athlete who feels like an underdog or the child who needs to see that passion and hard work matter more than having the fanciest gear. While the plot follows the familiar beats of Cinderella, the heart of the story is about Cindy's grit on the ice and her refusal to let a lack of equipment stop her from pursuing her dream of playing hockey. This humorous retelling replaces the ballroom with a hockey rink and glass slippers with a pair of skates. It explores themes of resilience, self-reliance, and the joy of sport. Ideal for ages 4 to 8, it provides a gentle way to discuss fairness and sibling rivalry while celebrating the internal confidence required to step onto the ice and give it your all. Parents will appreciate the witty subversion of classic tropes and the focus on athletic merit over physical beauty.