If I asked you how to play rugby, would you know how? Is it played on a field or in an arena? What does a rugby ball look like? (rugby is played with a ball, right?) I will confess that I didn't know the answer to any of these questions until I got an email from US Rugby World Cup team member, Mike Petri. Mike sent me a copy of his new book all about the game of rugby, R is for Rugby.

I was really happy that Mike got in touch with us he is doing a lot of really great work not only as a talented rugby player but also as a high school math and science teacher, a dad, and now a children's book author. Mike is using his book, R is Rugby, to teach kids about the game he loves. I love that it incorporates the alphabet too, so both of my kids liked reading it. My older son already knows his alphabet and read it for the sports terms. My younger son is learning his letters, and I liked that he got a little bit of a letter recognition lesson in there.

The pictures by Max Thompson are colorful and fun, and your kids will love them. This unique book would make a great holiday gift for little sports fans.

If you would like to learn more about Mike Petri and R is for Rugby, check out his website here. It has a lot of useful information about the sport and ways to get involved with rugby in your area.

Thank you to Mike Petri for getting in touch with us about his work! It is always inspiring to see someone who is using their gifts for the most good, and Mr. Petri seems to have made it his goal to not only promote the sport of rugby but also to promote learning and education for kids. Good work, Mike!