Ready, Steady, Goal! by Adam Jackson & Adrian Lloyd. Illus. by John Barrett

For the youngest readers just beginning to learn rules and skills in soccer, Ready, Steady, Goal! will be a very popular read. With sharp, short phrases on each page, the simple rhyming text flows consistently and is perfectly complemented by the bold, colourful images. 

The sun is up. The grass is green.
It's time to play – are your boots clean?
We’ve got the ball. Who goes in net?
Ready, steady…but not just yet! 

It is time to play –
one, two, three!
The whistle blows.
Quick pass to me! 

Control the ball,
with a TRAP
Turn. Dribble, dribble.
Tap, Tap, Tap!

 Each carefully considered illustration is thoughtfully placed, whether as a full-page spread, a half-page moment, or a series of vignettes. The visual appeal is immediate, and the dynamic movement of the ball and characters as they travel across the pages creates an energetic rhythm that readers of all ages will enjoy.

This book would make a fabulous gift for a young child starting out on their soccer journey.

Themes: Beginners, Soccer, Competition, Teamwork, Rhyme, Sport.

Kathryn Beilby