Maisy Plays Soccer (A Maisy First Experiences Book)

Goooooooooal!

PreS-Gr 2--A sweet and charmingly simple series entry with a message about friendship and enjoying the game more than the competition. Maisy greets a new day with excitement because she and her friends are going to play soccer. Maisy, Cyril, and Eddie are on the red team, and Dotty, Tallulah and Charley are on the blue. They play a friendly game, encouraging and complimenting one another's moves no matter which team they are on. The game ends in a tie--a little pat, but considering the audience, it keeps the message clear. The best thing about these books is the distinctive, colorful illustrations. Drenched in primary and secondary colors, the animal characters all display personality and humor. These books continue to be popular with young children, and this one will not disappoint.--Mary Hazelton, formerly at Warren & Waldoboro Elementary Schools, ME

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Young soccer players will enjoy the brief action scenes as well as the camaraderie on and off the field. With a short text and Cousins' colorful, distinctive gouache paintings, this picture book will appeal to sports enthusiasts as well as fans of the Maisy series.

Maisy learns the rudiments of soccer, from lacing up your shoes to scoring a goal. Using language as straightforward as her primary-color palette, Cousins introduces the concepts of referees and whistles, healthy half-time snacks and even team spirit. (Maisy reassures an elephant who failed to block a strike: "Don't worry, Eddie. You'll save it next time.") Cousins's sweet story could be useful for little children just starting out in a league, or for those on the sidelines watching older siblings play.
—The New York Times Online