Nonna’s Corner is a special feature where I share books I’ve reviewed with my grandchildren, affectionately referred to as the “Royals” here at Caffeinated.
Today, the royals and I are sharing our review of Home Court by C. Behrens and illustrated by Bryan Werts. This reader’s favorite. Behrens took his Basketballer’s Ditty poem and brought it to life in this fun, fully illustrated story.
by C. Behrens
Illustrator: Bryan Werts
Genres: Childrens
Source: Author
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Experience the magic and excitement of basketball through the playful and poetic words of C. Behrens. This award-winning poem has been beautifully brought to life in a stunning picture book, perfect for children and adults alike. Join the game and learn fun facts about basketball, while admiring the vibrant and captivating illustrations by Bryan Werts.
*The poem won an award in the 2023 Writer's Digest 92nd Annual Writing Competition*
While I am not a huge basketball fan, I have my teams, Go 76ers and Villanova! The older grandchildren, aged 10 and 9, are playing basketball this winter, so the timing was perfect.
The story follows the poem, but also adds fun fact boxes, from the size of regulation balls to the largest arenas. With fun illustrations of dribbling to zigzagging moves. It talks about the ups and downs of the game, from the joy of getting a point to the injuries that can occur.
The Royals loved all the tidbits about the sport woven throughout the story and even discussed nicknames for themselves.
Home Court is perfect for reading solo, or in a group. It’s geared towards children ages 4-12. Hazel, our five-year-old, listened and then read to us using the illustrations to tell the story. It’s available in hardcover, paperback and ebook format.
About C. Behrens
C. (Chris) Behrens is an award-winning children's author. While raising 2 beautiful daughters by himself, he earned his bachelor’s degree from Dominican University in New York. He graduated Magna Cum Laude and was the recipient of the Mother Lawrence Marie Award for Academic Excellence! His first book, Savanna’s Treasure, earned the Silver Medal in the 2015 Moonbeam Awards for the Early Reader/1st Chapter Book category. His second book, Alexander Hamilton's Wish for Battlefield Glory, earned the 2025 Indie BRAG Medallion and has received multiple 5-star reviews from Readers' Favorite. In his spare time (smile), he attended Rutgers at night for almost 2 years for a mgmt. program. Never giving up is in his blood! In 2023, he won an award from Writer's Digest for a poem about HOOPS! Two of his short stories were praised by Lorian Hemingway, the granddaughter of Ernest! Chris loves to create and never stops working hard at all he pursues!
Stay Caffeinated!
Never miss a post by adding Caffeinated to your Inbox
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
C. Behrens
Great Review! Love it. Thanks so much!
Mary Kirkland
Sounds like a good one for the kids.
ER LeVar
I love that you do this with the kiddos! And I love the concept of this book. Sounds perfect for your little basketball players.