Divot & Swish Testimonials

"Dr. Beth was extremely engaging with young students. The visuals were fantastic and the movement during the presentation is a must for kids!"

— Theresa Mosier, Elementary Librarian
Heritage Trails Elementary, Moore, OK

"My students enjoyed and learned so much from Divot and Swish! From the preliminary activities we did with vocabulary to the visit from Dr. Beth, they were able to make so many connections. Some of these included art, sports, self awareness, setting and reaching goals, writing, reading, and animals. Monroe Elementary highly recommend Divot & Swish and Dr. Beth!"

—Trisha Hutcherson, MLIS, NBCT, Media Specialist
Monroe Elementary, Norman, OK

"I believe that through Divot & Swish the kids learned what having a little courage can do. They can conquer their fears!"

— Ms. Huckbay, Elementary Librarian
Gore Elementary, Gore, OK

"Entertaining, inspiring, and rhythmical, Adventures with Divot & Swish in the Ozark Mountains: The Superpower of Confidence is very highly recommended for famiiy, elementary school, and community library Life Skills, Friendship, and Self-Esteem children's book collections."

— Midwest Book Review

"Our students were extremely engaged by Dr. Beth's presentation, which incorporated movement with critical thinking skills and fascinating characters. Her sparkling energy was infectious and had our students fully engaged and excited."

— Rae Lynn Payton, 2nd Grade Teacher
Heritage Trails Elementary, Moore, OK

“I’m always looking for new books that will take kids on an adventure as a way to introduce a new culture or concept. Adventures with Divot & Swish in Costa Rica does just that - it takes kids to a new place and teaches them that it’s ok to be scared before you find your courage.”

— Denise Shely, Literacy Coach
Mill Creek Academy

“Divot & Swish are relatable, sports-loving characters learning about courage and persistence when trying something new. The illustrations are charming and invite the readers to join in on their surfing adventure as they learn to overcome their fears. “

— Lisa Wells, Executive Director
Pioneer Library System

“Divot & Swish is loaded with inspiration, love, and teaching moments. The illustrations take you out of your world and into another. It allows readers of all ages to become the best version of themselves.”

— Mark Woommavovah, Children’s Book Author
The Little Indian Runner

“I love Divot & Swish. They inspired me to have courage and they can show others too!”

— Lillian Grace, 2nd grader

"Divot & Swish is a favorite in my classroom. My students were intrigued by the characters and what adventure they’ll be heading to next. By the end of the book, they had so many ideas of where Divot & Swish could travel and they are excited about the possibility of future books. This book can connect to all different types of students and get them excited about reading. I cannot wait to go on future adventures with Divot & Swish and am elated to use this book in my classroom for years to come!"

— Destiny Moakley, elementary teacher

“The second adventure of these sweet friends is worth the ride, literally. Divot & Swish show my child how confidence is born, created, and manifested. Dr. Beth Brown is producing roads to journey on with our children, where we learn that outdoor activity can build life skills and playing sports is fun.”

— Kari, mom of 3rd grader

"A delightfully original, impressively entertaining, and utterly charming picture book by the team of author/storyteller Beth Brown and artist/illustrator Charlotte Strickland for children ages 5-8, and with an important subtext message about the value of new experiences and outdoor activity, Adventures with Divot & Swish in Costa Rica is especially recommended for family, elementary school and community library picture book collections."

— Midwest Book Review

"I related to Divot's adventure in the Ozark Mountains because it took me a lonog time to have confidence to take the training wheels off my bike. The book reminds me to remember the power of "YET." When I learn something new I may not be good at it… yet. So I will keep working at it!"

— Amberly, Age 8

"As a librarian, I'm always looking for new, engaging, and impactful children's books and Adventures with Divot & Swish meets that criteria. The books share the journey. Of two friends as they learn life skills like courage and confidence, and are a great example for kids everywhere."

— Bethia Owens, Shared Branch Manager
Eastern Oklahoma Library System and Muldrow Public Library

"Adventures with Divot & Swish is a nicely written book with bright, adorable illustrations on every page. Getting past being scared to learn new things takes courage. Divot & Swish can help children learn challenges can be scary, but we all have the superpower of courage. When Divot & Swish use courage they learn surfing is fun!"

— Lana Farney, Elementary Librarian
Muldrow Elementary, Muldrow, OK

"We've been using Divot & Swish as our motivators to try new things. The superpower of courage has been the motivating factor. We say 'It's ok to be afraid! Just use your courage!'"

— Tonya Stites, Physical Education Teacher
Liberty Elementary, Sallisaw, OK

"Rosa LOVES Divot and Swish! We read it all the time. She also loves talking about Sammy and naming all the animals in the illustrations!"

— Mom of 2 yr old

"Adventures with Divot & Swish in the Ozark Mountains by Beth Brown is a fun story about bike riding and adventuring! I loved how it encourages kids to get out there and explore the world while being physically active. I also loved the various plugs for bike safety. As a mom who currently has a 2-year-old on a balance bike, this was a great book to read with him and teach him how to ride safely.

In terms of formatting, I loved how each page altered between illustration and text. The full-color images are great for kids, and while there was quite a bit of text per page in this book, it was developmentally appropriate for even 3-year-olds and above. The illustrations were such fun! I loved the bright colors, the humanized Divot and Swish, and the stylization of the artwork. The artist - Charlotte Strickland - really knew how to put action into every scene.

Beth Brown has created a perfect ""slice of life"" children's book that paints a lovely picture of the Ozarks. While I’ve never been to that area of the country before, this book made me wish I could visit. I also loved how this book dealt with peer pressure and even social anxiety. Everything in the story builds up to learning how to be confident in yourself - with riding a bike or dealing with kids teasing you. What a heavy load for such a small book! Adventures with Divot & Swish in the Ozark Mountains is a great read and I would have loved a physical copy to read with my little ones. "

— Readers' Favorite Book Reviews
Katelyn Hensel

"The illustrations along with the rhyming storyline in the Adventures with Divot & Swish captivated the attention of my students. They learned what it means to have courage and how to overcome their fears."

— Kate Reynhout, 2nd grade teacher
St. Paul's Lutheran

"My favorite part was seeing the students apply what Divot & Swish had to go through in the book with the activities that were available for them to experience. The students really engaged themselves and found courage to step out of their comfort zone!"

— Coach Simeroth, Elementary Physical Educator
Gore Elementary, Gore, OK

"In my 49 years of experience coaching junior to learn to play golf, I found that making the sport fun is a successful way to engage a child. Adventures with Divot & Swish not only makes sport fun, but also adds a unique way of educating kids about their superpowers. Teaching life lessons through sports is an effective, fun and memorable way to learn, and that is evident in these books."

— Rudy Duran, PGA Tiger Woods' 1st Coach
US Kids Top 50 Instructor

"Got our new book in the mail today and the kiddos loved it! The story was exciting and inspiring and the illustrations were fantastic. Thank you Dr. Beth Brown!"

— Sydney Martinez, Parent