G is for Golazo: the Ultimate Soccer Alphabet

March 15, 2019
Featuring dozens of emblematic soccer players, this picture book lives up to its subtitle as the "ultimate alphabet book" for the young soccer/football enthusiast.Lionel Messi, the yellow card, Pelé, the bicycle kick, Mia Hamm: This soccer-themed alphabet book features concepts and notable players from past and present. Going beyond a mere depiction of the players, it employs a humorous approach, through clever takes on both the players' names and monikers as well as game situations and soccer lingo. Each page/letter has an unexpected twist to it--a surprising pun, a semi-obscure reference...not exactly what one would expect. For instance, Pelé, the Brazilian legend, is found not under the letter P but K, as he is the "King" of the game; similarly, Diego Maradona, one of last century's legends, is not under the letter M but under H, as in the "Hand of God," referencing the infamous illegal goal he scored with his hand in the 1986 World Cup. The subject matter yields some inspiring choices for typically difficult letters: "V is for Vuvuzela," natch, and "Z is for Zizou in Zebra Stripes." However, "X is for XI" (as in 11 players) is a little pallid and will need some unpacking for younger readers. In addition to appearing on the copyright page, women are confined to two entries: "Queen" Marta and team "USA" (where Hamm appears).An imaginative take on the alphabet-book genre that's sure to gain a place in the hearts of soccer fans. (Informational picture book. 4-8)

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July 1, 2019
This lively alphabet book features common soccer terms ("�cf2]J�cf1] is for Juggling") and famous superstars ("�cf2]K�cf1] is for King"--Pel�, of course) as well as less familiar jargon and players: "�cf2]D�cf1] is for Derby" (rivalry match); "�cf2]M�cf1] is for Maestro" (Italy's Andrea Pirlo). Littlejohn's writing is expressive and dynamic, and Shipley's illustrations pop with playful details (Holland's Johan Cruyff plays soccer amid bright-orange tulips).

(Copyright 2019 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

March 15, 2019
Featuring dozens of emblematic soccer players, this picture book lives up to its subtitle as the "ultimate alphabet book" for the young soccer/football enthusiast.Lionel Messi, the yellow card, Pel�, the bicycle kick, Mia Hamm: This soccer-themed alphabet book features concepts and notable players from past and present. Going beyond a mere depiction of the players, it employs a humorous approach, through clever takes on both the players' names and monikers as well as game situations and soccer lingo. Each page/letter has an unexpected twist to it--a surprising pun, a semi-obscure reference...not exactly what one would expect. For instance, Pel�, the Brazilian legend, is found not under the letter P but K, as he is the "King" of the game; similarly, Diego Maradona, one of last century's legends, is not under the letter M but under H, as in the "Hand of God," referencing the infamous illegal goal he scored with his hand in the 1986 World Cup. The subject matter yields some inspiring choices for typically difficult letters: "V is for Vuvuzela," natch, and "Z is for Zizou in Zebra Stripes." However, "X is for XI" (as in 11 players) is a little pallid and will need some unpacking for younger readers. In addition to appearing on the copyright page, women are confined to two entries: "Queen" Marta and team "USA" (where Hamm appears).An imaginative take on the alphabet-book genre that's sure to gain a place in the hearts of soccer fans. (Informational picture book. 4-8)

COPYRIGHT(2019) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.