Saturday Storytime with Dr. Holly and Maeve

Join us for a very special Saturday Storytime with authors Dr. Holly MacKenna and Maeve Graffagnini celebrating their book Inhale, Exhale... Shoot, the special story about Kunall the Pelican, a talented young basketball player who loves the game—but when it’s time to take the big shot, anxiety creeps in. His wings tremble, his belly tightens, and his mind fills with doubt. What if he misses? What if everyone is watching?

The event is free and open to the public.

Inhale, Exhale...Shoot! follows Kunall the Pelican, a talented young basketball player who loves the game—but when it’s time to take the big shot, anxiety creeps in. His wings tremble, his belly tightens, and his mind fills with doubt. What if he misses? What if everyone is watching?

Set in the colorful heart of New Orleans, this beautifully illustrated picture book offers more than just a story about sports. It gently introduces children to mindfulness and breathwork as tools for managing stress, self-doubt, and performance anxiety—on the court and in everyday life. With encouragement from his coach and support from his teammates, Kunall learns to center himself, take a deep breath, and trust in his abilities.

Perfect for children ages 4–8, especially those who experience anxiety, love sports, or need a calming reminder to breathe through big emotions. Inhale, Exhale...Shoot! is an inspiring story of resilience, emotional awareness, and the power of staying present.

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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. Inspired by her family’s love of basketball and the experiences of her two children, Dr. Holly 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.

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.