Inhale, Exhale…Shoot!
Inhale, Exhale…Shoot is an inspiring children's book about basketball, bravery, and the magic of mindful breathing.
Pre-Sale Starts Now!
Basketball, Bravery, and the Magic of Mindful Breathing
Kunall the pelican loves basketball, but when it's time to take the big shot, his wings tremble, his belly tightens, and his mind races. What if he misses? What if everyone is watching? Just when the pressure feels too much, Kunall remembers the secret his wise coach taught him-inhale, exhale...shoot!
Set in the vibrant city of New Orleans, this beautifully illustrated picture book introduces young readers to mindfulness and breathwork, showing them how to manage stress, anxiety, and self-doubt-whether on the court or in everyday life. With the support of his teammates and a deep breath, Kunall discovers the power of staying present, believing in himself, and taking the shot.
Perfect for children who love sports, struggle with performance anxiety, or just need a little reminder to breathe through big emotions, Inhale, Exhale...Shoot! is an uplifting story about teamwork, resilience, and the mind-body connection. Within the text children will be guided through a proven breathing exercise used by expert Dr. Holly in her practice.
Discover the Heart Behind the Words:
Inspired by her family's love of basketball and the experiences of her two children, Dr. Holly MacKenna blends mindfulness and sports in a unique and engaging way. Inhale, Exhale...Shoot! is her debut children's book, introducing young readers to the power of breath, perseverance, and finding their flow. Dr. Holly developed this book with her daughter Maeve a benefactor of the breathing techniques featured in the book.
The Story Kids Will Cheer For
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Pre-Order the Book Today
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Kunall the Pelican
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The Story Kids Will Cheer For 🏀 Pre-Order the Book Today 🏀 Kunall the Pelican 🏀
Meet the Authors
A Mother-Daughter Duo with a Love for Hoops, Heart, and Mindfulness
Dr. Holly MacKenna
Dr. Holly MacKenna is an integrative psychiatrist, physician, and healer with over 20 years of experience in psychiatry and integrative medicine. A passionate advocate for mindfulness and mental well-being, she has dedicated her career to helping individuals find balance, resilience, and focus—both in life and on the court. As a longtime medical educator and chronic illness patient, she strives to improve public health and reduce mental health stigma through her work.
Maeve Graffagnini
Maeve Graffagnini is a middle school student in New Orleans who enjoys studying music, dance, and theatre. When she was eight, she developed symptoms of an autoimmune disorder and has since experienced firsthand the benefits of belly breathing and mind-body techniques. Maeve hopes to inspire other children to discover the power of mindfulness, movement, and resilience through storytelling.
Become a Sponsor!
Help kids build emotional resilience and regulate BIG feelings—through basketball! Inhale, Exhale...Shoot! is a powerful new children’s book that blends mindfulness and sports in a fun, accessible way.
Co-created by Dr. Holly MacKenna and her daughter Maeve, this heartfelt story introduces young readers to the power of breath, perseverance, and finding their flow.
There are five sponsorship levels available for individuals and organizations who want to help share this story with kids in schools, teams, and hospitals.
Give Kids a Shot, One Book at a Time! 🏀 📚
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Logo on the sponsor page in the book on 5,000 books donated to the Mannings Family Children's Hospital New Orleans, NORDC, or a non-profit of your choice. Mentions on press releases, social media post and events. Dr.
Holly will provide four author readings determined by Hospital administration.
$50,000
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Logo on sponsor page in the book on 2,500 books donated to the Mannings Family Children's Hospital New Orleans, NORDC, or a non-profit of your choice. Mentions on press releases, social media post and events. Dr. Holly will provide two author readings determined by Hospital administration.
$25,000
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Logo on sponsor page in the book on 1,000 books donated to the Mannings Family Children's Hospital New Orleans, NORDC, or a non-profit of your choice. Mentions on press releases, social media post and events.
Dr. Holly will provide one author reading determined by Hospital administration.
$10,000
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Do you have a school or children's team whose members would benefit from Kunall's lesson? Sponsorships for your organization or community non-profits are available at all levels. Reach out to find out how you can help every child own their own book.
$250-5000
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One case of signed copies of the book for client, holiday or corporate giving at a 20% discount.
STARTING AT $500
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“Inhale, Exhale...Shoot! is a valuable resource for helping children manage emotions using basketball language. With vibrant illustrations, it makes complex feelings accessible and engaging. The book focuses on Trust, Exuberance, Adaptability, and Mindfulness, promoting confidence, resilience, and emotional well-being for parents, teachers, and coaches.”
— Mike “Coach K” Krzyzewski
Mike is a Naismith Hall of Fame coach, a five-time national champion at Duke, and a six-time gold medalist as head Coach of the US Men’s National Team.