Illustrated For Kids

Phoenix Sun guard Jason Kidd keeps opposing NBA teams on their toes. He shoots! He plays tough defense! But most of all he passes. "I try to picture the play before it happens," says Jason.In the 1997-98 season, Jason was second in the NBA in assists with 9.1 per game. He also tied for the lead in triple-doubles.Off the court, Jason collects baseball souvenirs. His favorite collectible is a bat signed by Seattle Mariner Ken Griffey Jr.Comic CardsHere are some funny sports cards from kidsSon, go to your roomBrandon D., 11Cypress, Calif.

When was the word ace first used in tennis, and where did it come from?2& George D., 12, Erie, PennsylvaniaThe term ace was used in tennis as early as 1890. An ace is a well-placed serve that the opposing player can't touch with his ,, racket. An ace is usually hit very hard.Some tennis historians believe the term ace came from the card game poker. In poker the four aces have the highest value.Buzz WordsBuzz Beamer's Guide to sports slang will help you talklike a pro!kiss 'n' cry (figure skating)

Many Mini-WordsPitcher William Joseph VanLandingham has one of the longest full names in major league history (26 letters). How many three-letter words can you come up with by using the letters of his last name? We found 29, but you may find more!ANSWERS: aid, ail, aim, and, dam, dig, dim, din, gad, gal, gam, gin, had, hag, ham, hid, him, inn, lad, lag, lam, lid, mad, mag, man, nag, nil, van, vimKerri StrugGymnast Kerri Strug was a shining star of the 1996 Summer Olympics. She also shines with kids.