#blogbookaday: The Field

Summary:  ““Vini! Come! The field calls!” cries a girl as she and her younger brother rouse their community—family, friends, and the local fruit vendor—for a pickup soccer (futbol) game. Boys and girls, young and old, players and spectators come running—bearing balls, shoes, goals, and a love of the sport.

“Friends versus friends” teams are formed, the field is cleared of cows, and the game begins! But will a tropical rainstorm threaten their plans?” (Taken from Goodreads)

Review: A young girl and her brother gather friends and neighbors to play a game of fútbol. People help clear the field of animals, construct a goal and bring a few soccer balls for a pickup game with friends. The soccer players battle difficult field conditions, a tropical rainstorm and moms calling their players home, and spend a delightful afternoon running, splashing and kicking the ball up and down the field.

Personal Reaction: I spent many a Sunday afternoon watching my brothers play soccer, so this book feels so familiar to me! When I opened the book I was thrown off for a second with the Creole words sprinkled through the text, but I loved the authenticity it lent to the story and how many families I know who come to the library speak a mix of English and their first language. This is a beautiful story that kids will be able to connect with as so many are familiar with the international game of fútbol. Plus, with the World Cup starting, this is the perfect story to share with your family fo fans!

Title: The Field
Author: Baptiste Paul
Illustrator: Jacqueline Alcántara
Publisher: NorthSouth Books
Publication Date: March 6, 2018

This is a new idea I’m trying on my blog this year that was inspired by @donalynbooks and @heisereads – to provide a brief review of a picture book every day of 2018. You’ll get a brief summary of the story, a review of the content, illustrations and theme, my personal reaction to the book and all the pertinent publication information! Enjoy!