The Horn Book Guide

SPORTS

Blackstone, Margaret

This Is Soccer

32 pp. | Holt | April, 1999 | Trade ISBN 0-8050-2801-3 $$15.95

(4) K-3 Illustrated by John O'Brien. This picture-book introduction to soccer provides basic facts about the sport. Brief, declarative sentences ("This is a kickoff. And this is a pass") are interrupted by long, somewhat awkward descriptions, throwing the text's rhythm off balance. Pen and mottled watercolor illustrations add an amusing detail: a spectator brings a lawn chair and can be found snoozing on the sidelines throughout the entire game.

Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger