“Challenged” Pickleball Players Inspire Cincinnati Author to Write Children’s Book

Pickleball is a sport for everyone. That’s the message a Cincinnati author and pickleballer wants to share with children and others who may read his new book.
Ollie and His Pickleball Friends Return Home is the follow-up to Larry Blundred’s first children’s book, How Pickleball Saved Ollie Otter, which published in early 2021. Both books feature colorful illustrations by Artist Gabe Fuller depicting critters from around the world.
“I am dedicating the new book to those who strive to be confident, positive and resilient, despite personal or physical setbacks, either permanent or temporary,” Blundred said. “To people who push and persevere despite coping with some form of adversity or challenge.”
The book’s characters are inspired by people Blundred has met while playing pickleball across the U.S. Peyton Panda has attention deficit disorder. Sammy Sloth uses a wheelchair. These characters and others overcome challenges to play pickleball and encourage others to join the game.
Publication of the second book has been delayed by a paper shortage, but the book can be pre-ordered here. Discounts may be available for purchasing both books.
Blundred began playing pickleball and writing about the sport in 2019 while coping with his wife’s terminal cancer diagnosis. The couple had written two books together while she battled a brain tumor. Donna Blundred passed away in August 2020. He wrote the first Ollie Otter book for her.
“Pickleball was just what I needed physically, mentally, socially and emotionally and I wanted to share that with others,” Blundred said.