For WrestleMania Weekend: 10 Great Picture Books about Pro Wrestling
I grew up watching pro wrestling Saturday mornings and then going to my uncle’s house to watch the big Pay Per View events. (I even had an imaginary stuffed animal pro wrestling league which I wrote about here: The Life and Death of a Stuffed Animal Wresting League (1986-1991). ) There is no bigger event in Pro Wrestling than Wrestlemania which is this weekend. Pro wrestling can be as beautiful as ballet, as athletic as Olympic gynastics, feature amazing feats of strengh, as funny as good improv comedy, and have the over the top drama of day time soap operas. It also can be horribly offensive for a number of reasons. If you think children should never be exposed to it for that reason, that is completely justifiable postition and then this list is probably not for you. That being said, prowrestling is something popular with children worldwide and actually has interesting unique cultural aspects from country to country. From Mexico's lucha libre to Japan's puroresu, each culture has its unique wrestling traditions that have been passed down through generations. Children are fascinated by the larger-than-life characters and exciting matches, making pro wrestling a great subject for picture books. So in honor of Wrestlemania, Here are ten picture books for the young wrestling fans in your life that involve a range of wrestling traditions and styles of books.
Niño Wrestles the World by Yuyi Morales – This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of a young boy who uses his imagination to transform into a wrestler and take on the world. The author and illustrator, Yuyi Morales, brings the world of lucha libre to life with vibrant colors and dynamic characters.
Lucha Libre: The Man in the Silver Mask by Xavier Garza – This book follows the journey of a young boy who becomes a lucha libre wrestler and must face the mysterious Man in the Silver Mask. The author, Xavier Garza, expertly blends action and adventure with the rich cultural heritage of lucha libre.
Dino-Wrestling by Lisa Wheeler – In this fun and quirky book, children will meet a group of dinosaurs who love to wrestle. The author, Lisa Wheeler, uses humor and bright illustrations to introduce young readers to the exciting world of pro wrestling.
Friday Night Wrestlefest by J. F. Fox – This book is a fictional tale about a group of friends who attend a wrestling match and become inspired to start their own wrestling club. The author, J. F. Fox, uses humor and excitement to show children the thrill of pro wrestling.
The Comic Book Story of Professional Wrestling: A Hardcore, High-Flying, No-Holds-Barred History of the One True Sport by Aubrey Sitterson – This graphic novel explores the history of pro wrestling from its origins to the present day. The author, Aubrey Sitterson, uses colorful illustrations and engaging storytelling to bring the rich history of pro wrestling to life.
Lucía the Luchadora by Cynthia Leonor Garza – This empowering book tells the story of a young girl who becomes a lucha libre wrestler and uses her skills to fight for justice. The author, Cynthia Leonor Garza, uses bright illustrations and a strong female protagonist to inspire children to be confident and fearless.
The Great and Mighty Nikko! by Xavier Garza – This book follows the adventures of Nikko, a young boy who dreams of becoming a pro wrestler. The author, Xavier Garza, uses humor and excitement to show children the hard work and determination it takes to become a wrestler.
Introduction to New Japan Pro-Wrestling English (New Japan Pro-Wrestling Official Book) – This book is a comprehensive guide to the world of puroresu, Japan's unique form of pro wrestling. The book covers the history and traditions of puroresu, as well as the top wrestlers and matches.
WWE Encyclopedia of Sports Entertainment New Edition by DK – This updated edition of the WWE Encyclopedia is a must-have for young pro wrestling fans. The book features profiles of the biggest stars in WWE, including John Cena, The Rock, and Stone Cold Steve Austin.
The Ultimate Guide to Pro Wrestling by Mark Bego – This comprehensive guide to pro wrestling is perfect for young fans who want to learn more about the sport. The author, Mark Bego, covers the history of pro wrestling, the different styles and traditions, and the biggest stars and matches.
