Columbus Sisters Flip Into Publishing With Children’s Book G is for Gymnasts

Two young sisters from Columbus are making literary leaps with their new children’s book, G is for Gymnasts — a colorful, empowering alphabet book that blends the joy of movement with messages of confidence and strength.

Written by sisters Morgan and Cydney Murrell, and published by their mother, Christie Black- Murrell, the book uses rhyming verse and gymnastics terms to guide young reader. Scheduled for release on May 30, 2025, G is for Gymnasts is currently available for pre-order and has already captured the attention of parents and educators in the area.

The project began as a creative outlet for Morgan and Cydney, both elementary school students and competitive gymnasts. What started as playful brainstorming sessions soon turned into a published children’s book — a rarity for such young authors.

“We wanted kids to feel strong and remind them to never give up,” said Cydney, 8. 

Morgan, 10, added: “We wanted to help little readers and let them know to always keep trying to learn. We want them to know they can do anything as long as they believe in themselves and use their creativity.”

Their mother, Christie Murrell, said she was inspired to support the book not only because of her daughters’ passion but also because of the need for diverse representation in children’s publishing.

“I don’t see a lot of books with someone that looks like me on the cover,” Morgan said. “If there is one on the cover, they’re not the main character.”

“We are very big on creative expression in our family. We love to journal, color, and anything crafty,” Christie said. “I wanted them to see themselves on the cover and for others to see brown girls on the cover as the main characters to show that we can be main characters and guide a story too.”

The Murrells self-published the book under Christie’s guidance, navigating the editing, design, and printing process as a family. 

Community interest has grown since the pre-order announcement, with the Murrell family now scheduling author readings at schools and podcast appearances. Christie says there are early plans for follow-up projects, such as M is for Mommy, C is for Cydney and J is for Joy.

For now, the family is enjoying the positive feedback and the chance to inspire young readers — especially those who might not see themselves often in mainstream children’s books or sports stories.

“It’s more than a book,” Christie said. “It’s a message: You can be anything.”

G is for Gymnasts is currently available for pre-order on Amazon and through Christie Black-Murrell’s website at www.cblackexpressions.com.