Throughout the book, there are many photographs of young girls demonstrating skills and techniques. There are also many photographs of Efli Schlegel as a child performing a gymnastics stunt. There are a few photographs of boys, but they’re definitely not the target audience. Skills are often shown through a series of photographs and detailed explanations, which are instrumental in showing EXACTLY what one should do in order to master a skill — such as learning how to do a handstand or a cartwheel. All apparati used in both boys’ and girls’ gymnastics are featured.

Particularly enjoyable is the section at the back of the book on the people and moments most impacted the author — she calls this “Elfi’s scrapbook.” It features Olga Korbut, Nadia Comaneci, Mary Lou Retton, Vitaly Scherbo, and others.

The book looks a little bit dated (copyright 2001), but the information seems current. Although it describes the benefits and fun parts of gymnastics, it doesn’t glamorize gymnastics. Nor does it minimize the amount of time and committment that is required in order to compete, particularly at the senior level. The “Day in the Life of a Competitive Gymnast” may help keep your young gymnast from getting stars in her eyes and dreaming of the Olympics.

Overall, this is a book that young gymnasts will return to time and time again, that provides information useful to beginning gymnasts and to parents guiding their children through the beginning stages of gymnastics.