Now in paperback! Soccer fan or not, the call of The Field is
irresistible.
A Junior Library Guild Selection
Winner of the Sonia Lynn Sadler Award
"Irresistible fun."-- Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
"A wonderful depiction of a joyful pastime . . . and a reminder of some
of the ways we are more alike than different."--Booklist, Starred
Review
Kirkus Reviews Best Picture Book of 2018
School Library Journal Best Book of 2018
The Horn Book Fanfare 2018
Shelf Awareness Best Children's Book of the Year
Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year
"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 pick-up soccer (futbol) game. Boys and girls, young and
old, players and spectators come running--bringing 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?
The world's most popular and inclusive sport has found its spirited and
authentic voice in Baptiste Paul's debut picture book-- highlighting the
joys of the game along with its universal themes: teamwork, leadership,
diversity, and acceptance. Creole words (as spoken in Saint Lucia, the
author's birthplace island in the Caribbean) add spice to the story and
are a strong reminder of the sport's world fame. Bright and brilliant
illustrations by debut children's book illustrator Jacqueline
Alcántara-- winner of the We Need Diverse Books Illustration Mentorship
award-- capture the grit and glory of the game and the beauty of the
island setting that inspired this particular field.
