A fun way to get your cardio
Pickleball keeps hearts pumping and legs moving — a joyful workout disguised as a game.
New from Bea Gardner · 2026
Paxton Plays Pickleball
A charming new story from Bea Gardner celebrating the heart-pumping cardio of pickleball, the friendships it builds, and a game the whole family can play together — grandkids, parents, and grandparents alike.
For kids, families, and pickleball lovers
Meet Paxton
A bright, joyful story about trying something new.
Paxton Plays Pickleball introduces young readers and families to the energy, humor, and heart of one of America's fastest-growing sports. Bea Gardner brings her signature warmth and wit to a story about staying active, making friends on the court, and playing a game that brings every generation together.
Community and friendships
The court is where neighbors become friends. Paxton celebrates the warm, welcoming culture of pickleball.
A game for every generation
Grandkids, parents, and grandparents on the same court — pickleball is the rare sport the whole family can play together.
Perfect for
Who this book is made for.
- Young readers
- Pickleball families
- Grandparents & grandchildren
- Coaches and clubs
- Gifts for active kids
- Pickleball lovers
Early readers
Warm words from grandparents, coaches, and kids.
“Charming, encouraging, and surprisingly fun to read out loud — my grandkids asked for it twice.”
“A bright, joyful book about trying something new. Perfect club gift.”
“Bea's warmth comes through on every page. A delight.”
More from Bea Gardner
See all books The rest of the collection.
Memoir
The Hybrid Designer
A memoir of reinvention, design, and the long, winding road into a creative life.
Read more
Humor · Nostalgia
Bring It On… We're In Our 70's
Interviews, memories, and laugh-out-loud honesty about life on the far side of seventy.
Read more
A two-act play
Widows at the Club
Three widowed friends meet every Wednesday at the country club — and quietly start over.
Read more
About Bea
Author, humorist, designer, and now pickleball storyteller.
Bea Gardner is an author, humorist, memoirist, interior designer, and playwright whose work explores reinvention, aging, friendship, family, and the humor found in everyday life.
Meet Bea
Signings · Pickleball clubs · Libraries · Schools
Invite Bea for a book signing or reading.
Bea travels for signings, pickleball-club gatherings, library talks, senior-center programs, school visits, and staged readings — warm, funny, and tailored to your group.