כתיבה, עריכה והפקה

דבי אופקים

Tommy’s Big Mistake-Eytan M. Debbi

Debbi Ofakim, 34 pg., 2003

A BOOK ABOUT SKATEBOARDING

דבי אופקים – כתיבה, עריכה, הפקהEytan M. Debbi is a remarkable young man living in Great Neck, New York. Tommy’s Big Mistake – A Book About Skateboarding is the second installment in his trilogy of children’s books. In this series he introduces the reader to extreme sports-activities a typical youngster might find intimidating. “When I was young,” says Debbi, “I always found it easier to learn by example. By continually watching other participate in an activity, I found that my fear of the unknown would gradually dissipate, and I would eventually muster the courage to try it myself. I wanted to give Tommy the opportunity to try challenging new sports, but not without the help of an older brother from whom he could watch and learn.” The eldest of four boys, Eytan received this kind of mentorship from his father and provided it for his younger brothers. “My hope,” the young author states with measured optimism, “is that Tommy will have that kind of effect on other young people.”

The first and third installments introduce snowboarding and surfing, respectively; each providing the young reader with a valuable life lesson. While these books may very well give healthy youngsters the courage and desire to try new things, they can also be of greater encouragement to less fortunate children. Through this series of books, blind or otherwise disabled children can experience the thrill of these otherwise unattainable activities.