Award-winning children’s book Catching Waves tells the inspiring true story of Raleigh Hager, who—with determination and dreams of a pet mini pig—made history as the youngest professional World Wakesurf Champion. From her very first surfboard ride at age five to discovering wakesurfing on a nearby lake, Raleigh’s journey is full of crashes, comebacks, and courage. With every wave, she proves that even the littlest dreamers can achieve big goals, encouraging young readers to DREAM BIG, face challenges, and ride the waves of life. Written and illustrated by Dawn Marie Hooks—World Champion wakesurfer, award-winning author, artist, and teacher— Catching Waves pairs lively storytelling with vibrant watercolor illustrations, capturing the thrill of wakesurfing while sharing the true story of a young girl who found the strength to follow her dreams. Author’s Notes include: • A playful glossary of wakesurf lingo so readers of all ages can catch the stoke • Fun facts about Raleigh’s record-breaking achievements • Behind-the-scenes insights into researching and writing this nonfiction picture book Young readers (ages 5-9) will: • Explore an inspirational nonfiction picture book biography of a young athlete making history as a world champion • Discover the joy of wakesurfing and water sports while gaining real-world knowledge • Learn the value of grit, determination, resilience, and pursuing dreams • Spark meaningful classroom and family discussions about goal-setting, perseverance, and self-confidence Perfect for parents, teachers, librarians and sports-loving kids, Catching Waves sparks conversations about grit, courage, and sportsmanship —whether at school, at home, or beyond. Part of the Brave Little Hearts Series ® , which celebrates everyday courage as children face life’s joys, questions, and challenges. Collect all the titles: • I’ll Hold You Forever: An Adoption Story • Grandpa Can: A Story of Hope in the Midst of Illness • Sarah and Her Twirling Toes • Catching Waves: A Board, a Pig, and How a Little Girl Became a Wakesurf Champion FROM RALEIGH HAGER "It is so fun to revisit this story and what it meant to me to compete as a professional wakesurfer and to get my pet pig, Fergus. I hope this book about that time in my life will ignite and inspire kids, especially young girls, to accomplish their dreams." -- Raleigh Hager, 2x Professional World Wakesurf Champion (at ages 10 & 11) REVIEWS "Catching Waves by Dawn Marie Hooks is a heartwarming and inspiring children's book that beautifully captures the journey of a young child growing up in the competitive world of wake surfing. From the very first page, the storytelling immediately pulls you into the excitement, challenges, and triumphs of the sport, all seen through the eyes of the determined and hopeful young Raleigh Hager (Rals). The author masterfully weaves a story that not only showcases the thrill of the sport but also delves into the emotional journey of growth, perseverance, and self-discovery. The young character faces obstacles and moments of doubt but always pushes forward with resilience and a passion for wake surfing. It's a narrative that reminds readers that success is not just about winning, but about learning, growing, and having the courage to chase your dreams. The illustrations in this book are breathtaking. The artist does an incredible job of capturing the essence of wake surfing-the movement of the water, the energy of the waves, and the determination of the rider. Each page feels alive with color and motion, almost as if you can feel the rush of the waves and the spray of water as the Rals surfs through her journey. The beautiful artwork perfectly complements the action-packed yet deeply emotional story, making the book not just a great read, but also a visual feast. Together, the story and illustrations form a perfect blend that will captivate young readers and inspire them to pursue their passions, whether it's in wake surfing or any other area of life. Catching Waves is a must-read for any child who loves adventure, sports, or simply needs a reminder of the power of perseverance and following their dreams." - Jonathan Matthews, Raleigh's board shaper and owner of Blusurf "Dreams come true. I love this story of dare to dream big and believe in yourself. It is inspiring to read and to remember there is no age limit on dreams; they will come true when you don't give up!" - Kelley Marsh, wakesurf champion and owner of Soulcraft Boarding "This is such a wonderful story that is incredibly inspiring... especially since it's true. Catching Waves truly captures how hard Raleigh worked to achieve her dream of being on the podium at the World Wake Surfing Championships and does it in such a fun and beautifully illustrated way. As Raleigh's mom, I know firsthand how hard she trained and how passionate she was about winning and getting her pig, Fergus. I love that now her story can be sh