Lucy Tries Soccer

February 15, 2016
Soccer is the latest sports endeavor for spunky, industrious Lucy. In this newest entry in the Lucy Tries Sports series (Lucy Tries Luge, 2015, etc.), Lucy ventures onto the soccer field. Under the guidance of a friendly coach, Lucy and her friends apply their fledgling skills in their first three-on-three game. In jaunty rhyming text, Bowes captures the exhilaration of the game, building the anticipation as Lucy's team works collaboratively on the field. She introduces common soccer terms, detailing the various skills the players use in preparation for and during the game. Emphasizing teamwork and good sportsmanship, the tale focuses on Lucy's enjoyment of the game. Descriptions of Lucy's behavior on the field and on the sidelines present a positive example for young players. A "Fast Facts!" section provides further information about soccer for interested readers. The book's design includes text with various words and phrases highlighted in bold, eye-catching colors, accompanied by sunny, upbeat illustrations. Hearne's artwork captures the energetic enthusiasm of Lucy, a redheaded white girl, and her racially diverse friends. The cheery pictures of these young athletes wholeheartedly playing and learning the sport aptly convey the global appeal of soccer. With playful exuberance, Bowes' lively tale shares the fun of soccer with young readers. (Picture book. 4-8)

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April 1, 2016

K-Gr 2-In this title, Lucy learns how to play the game with her friends. Bowes is a sports reporter and play-by-play announcer who clearly is enthusiastic about children experiencing different sports activities. Multiple ethnicities are portrayed in Hearne's appealing and friendly illustrations, which are drawn by hand and colorized digitally. The four friends (two girls and two boys) demonstrate how players substitute and take turns playing in a "three on three" game. While not detailing specific rules, the author uses the informational picture book style to show ways to start moving the soccer ball around the field. Bowes provides a simple "tick tock" drill to get warmed up. Five "Fast Facts" about soccer are appended. VERDICT A fine introductory story to read before a new team gathers to learn the game.-Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA

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