cover image The Day Dad Joined My Soccer Team

The Day Dad Joined My Soccer Team

Maureen Fergus, illus. by Mike Lowery. Kids Can, $16.99 (32p) ISBN 978-1-77138-654-8

The duo behind The Day My Mom Came to Kindergarten returns with another story about an overly eager parent. When a soccer-loving kids’ coach puts the word out for a parent volunteer, his dad—wearing a headband, five o’clock shadow, and a jersey two sizes too small——hops in the game. The boy’s father only cares about winning, goofs around on the sidelines, and acts like he’s the only one on the field—behaviors that readers might recognize on their own sports teams. Luckily, the boy understands how being a good sport makes the game better for everyone and coaches his dad on how to play fair, support his teammates, and focus on having a good time. Lowery’s bright, bold cartoons complement the fun conceit: readers will get a kick out of seeing an exasperated yet patient kid dealing with a clueless parental figure. Ages 5–6. [em](Apr.) [/em]