PICTURE BOOK REVIEWS : Tiny T. Rex Tries Soccer/Max Explains Everything: Soccer Expert
ABOUT THE BOOK
REVIEW
This new book in the Tiny T. Rex series finds Tiny playing soccer. He has all his gear and is ready to play. But he discovers that watching and playing are not the same thing. He struggles with dribbling, juggling, and shooting. Tiny's sad that his brother and sister play better than him. His siblings remind him that if he practices a lot he'll get better. His teammates all seem to have special skills that help them stand out. Tiny wonders when his special skill might show up. Finally, during the team's first game, Tiny has a chance to help out his team. Themes of effort, persistence, and finding one's own special skills all stand out in this fun book about sports and playing on a team. As usual, the illustrations of undersized Tiny create an adorable picture of trying something for the first time. The inclusion of stickers and amusing tips for playing soccer (tie your cleats or you may meet the grass close-up) are included for young fans who might want to give the game a try themselves. Recommended for young soccer or dinosaur fans.
ABOUT THE BOOK
This hilarious, tongue-in-cheek guide from kid-expert Max reveals everything you need to know about the game of soccer.
Max knows a lot about soccer. After all, he's been playing it for almost three weeks! So he's pretty much an expert. Here Max shares his one-of-a-kind helpful tips including how to warm up (stretch, twirl, somersault), who's who on the field (the ref is in yellow and wears a whistle--you should not bring your own whistle), and what to do with your hands since you can't touch the ball (wave at fans, hide them in your shirt, play itsy-bitsy spider). But could Max possibly be forgetting something very important? Full of humor, energy, and warmth, Max Explains Everything: Soccer Expert is the perfect read aloud for novice players as well as for fellow "kid experts" on the game.
REVIEW
Max attempts to explain how he plays soccer. He keeps getting distracted though such as when he's putting on his shoes and socks and a sock ends up masquerading as a helmet on his head. Max's instructions for playing the game may not be ideal (pulling out dandelions and four-leaf clovers instead of kicking the ball) but make for a hilarious romp of a book. Young readers will enjoy Max's antics while adults will undoubtedly think of a child they know like Max who struggles to do as expected but has a good time anyway. Hocking's illustrations do a fabulous job of showing Max and his unconventional way of playing soccer. Luckily for Max, his family and coach exhibit great patience, although his teammates faces indicate disappointment when his antics get in the way of scoring. A fun read that many adults and children will enjoy. Recommended.
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