cover image Sergio Saves the Game!

Sergio Saves the Game!

Edel Rodriguez, . . Little, Brown, $15.99 (34pp) ISBN 978-0-316-06617-4

There's nothing quite like a familiar face, and there are plenty of them to go around in this spring's crop of picture books.

Sergio Saves the Game! Edel Rodriguez . Little, Brown , $15.99 (40p) ISBN 978-0-316-06617-4

The sporty penguin of Sergio Makes a Splash is obsessed with soccer, but he's only “a true star” in his dreams. In real life, he “trips, falls, crashes, slips, slides, flips, sets, shoots ... and scores! For the other team.” But Sergio is determined to play and jumps at the chance to “try being the goalie!” The bold, graphic four-color spreads evoke vintage sports posters, and Sergio finally gets to shine during the championship game against a team of overconfident seagulls. Sergio and this smart sequel both deliver. Ages 3–6. (May)