Michael Phelps Writes Children’s Book

June 17, 2009 by Karlynn Johnston
Filed under Super Fun

And I will not be reviewing or buying it, so I will just put this under news on my site. But for those of you who might be interested in giving it a go, you can find it at Amazon. It chronicles Phelps training regime, and puts it into perspective for kids, for example, in his 6 years of training he swam nearly 20,000 km, which he compares as swimming “from my hometown of Baltimore to the North Pole and back, and doing it all over again!” The pictures look well drawn and cute enough to capture kids attention.

As you probably guessed, I won’t be buying it because I have no interest in endorsing or putting money into his pocket. Not only because of the whole pot smoking incident, but also I am just tired of seeing him everywhere, and would spend my hard earned money on other,far better childrens books. And yes the pot smoking is a big factor, but not for the reason that its “doing drugs”. Sure, he’s human. But the fact that he was so stupid to smoke pot in public while under contract for millions of dollars, with his face on kids cereal boxes and magazine covers is absolutely mind boggling to me. I don’t care what people do in their private lives, but he had contracts and an All-American boy image to uphold and was being paid huge sums of money to do so. How hard is it not to smoke your dope in public you dummy?? So if he’s trying get back on the cash train now, I am sure not helping him.

But hey, that’s just my humble and completely biased opinion.

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miss b

I totally missed this article and all the comments! lol.

I'll probably buy the book because I adore MIchael Phelps and I got so excited watching him on the tv during the Olympics despite him being American ;-) (totally just poking fun). I'm completely against drug laws anyway, so that fact that he chooses to smoke pot wouldn't deter me from buying the book or otherwise supporting him.

My kids and I have talked about drugs many times already and will many more over the course of their lives. Case in point, at our summer solstice music festival we attend, I had to have a serious discussion about not eating anything off the ground that may look edible because a lot of people do drugs at said festival and while it's okay for an adult to make that choice, that's certainly nothing for a child to be putting into their body and they could and would become very sick.

I do love though that you state your opinion is completely biased. No pretense there, which is fantastic.

Ward

It's a deal, Karlynn! I actually had a lot of fun working on the book, even if it was a quick turnaround. And I try to make it fun for the kids to read and pick out details & such.

Lisa Bocchino

I have also read comments about teacher's purchasing MP's new book for their classroom's it helps them with number's and math!!!!

Lisa Bocchino

@Karlynn...has nothing to do with "Timing" we live in a different world today....and there is a difference between normal transitions from childhood into adulthood...and those that childhood's were put on "Hold" for what ever reasons....ex.Child "star" prodidgy syndrome...which brings me back to square one on your bias opionion..."Don't judge other's...when u don't know what their background was....

mahnaz

Michael Phelps made a mistake and he admitted to that fact. He is an amazing athlete and works very hard with many organizations to promote swimming and healthy life styles for children. Kids do love him and adore him. It is our society and culture that likes to pin point other's mistake and scrutinize every little move of high profile people. My 4 year old who adores Michael, loves to read, and loves dinosaurs got the book. As a parent I provide guidance for him. He does not need to know Michael made a mistake. But I keep telling him how hard he trains, how focused he is, how kind he is, and I leave the judgement for the higher power. Who are we judge others while we make our own many mistakes and no one publishes it to the whole world.

Lisa Bocchino

@Karlynn...in closing...while u comment and voice your opionion on exactly what a "role Model" should be...One of the highest role models of our country has admitted to drug use....and he is now President of the United States of America.....hmmmmmm

Karlynn Johnston

That's your country, not mine :) Though maybe Stephen Harper did drugs in his own time, but I didn't vote Conservative anyways.

We can agree to disagree, but I ask, what if Obama, at the height of his fame this very moment (like Phelps is) was smoking drugs? He drank and did drugs BEFORE he was a role model (and I wholeheartedly champion Obama), yet Phelps chose, at the very height of his being a role model to kids, to exhibit how he smokes drugs. Its all about the timing.

Obviously there are many who disagree with me! We can each support the role models we admire for our children, he just happens not to be one I personally would champion.

Lisa Bocchino

@ Karlynn....come back to me when and if your child get's busted for dope!!! You have no idea what the future holds for your children or how well ur parenting skills are....interested to see how many of ur children's mistakes will be stupid enough to be publicly blasted....

Lisa Bocchino

I think Michael Phelps is an awesome athelete! Children love him!!! I find it so amazing that children are more forgiving than adult's concerning mistakes!...Even children that have been abused by their own parents...find forgiveness in their parents! There is an old Irish saying" Don't talk about other peoples children when u don't know what your's our doing"...This past weekend He swam in The Santa Clara Grand Prix...and the line for autographs was so long they had to call in the fire marshall....so SuperMom there u have it....

Karlynn Johnston

I never once mentioned he isn't an amazing athlete, he has the medals to prove it, that isn't the point. As a childrens role model, he falls utterly flat. Sorry, no matter how many people line up for his autographs, I am not in the minority for thinking I do not want my children to admire someone who publicly got busted for smoking dope.
I DO, however, think he is the prime example of what NOT to do, and how NOT to handle your success and achievements. There is a good lesson for children in his poor example.

Ward

Understood, and you have your opinion about this, but keep in mind that the money made off the book goes to his Michael Phelps Foundation and not, as you say, "into his pocket".

Plus, I would hope that you'd at least give the artwork a second chance. I worked hard on it! ;)

Karlynn Johnston

Ah Ward, you reminded me how I can be a jerk and forget about the other people involved ;) I see this is your first book that you have illustrated, so I apologize if I have come across as incredibly mean, the Micheal Phelps debacle is a sore spot with me as you can tell.

How about a compromise, when I can pick it up from the library (thus sticking to my not spending money endorsing him, even if it is going to his foundation, there are others I would rather support) I will post a review? Especially of your artwork :) Fair deal?

The Super Mom

Michael Phelps Writes Children’s Book

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