Crazy About Soccer

by Loris Lesynski, Gerry Rasmussen (Illustrator)

Overview

Hurray for soccer! Anyone / at all / at all / can learn to kick a ball / a ball. A kangaroo could do it, / too, / a bigger kick than me or you but never put one / in a game ’cuz they can kick but / they / can't / aim! This new collection of poems by Loris Lesynski captures the joys, thrills, and challenges of one of the most popular sports in the schoolyard today. Rhythmic, funny verses reflect the game’s energy while offering sound suggestions for proper play. Crazy About Soccer!, a collection full of twists, turns, and surprises, is sure to appeal to any reader who has ever played soccer, whether in cleats and a team shirt or in bare feet and—as in Shakespeare’s day—with a pig’s bladder for a ball! Wonderfully ridiculous and genuinely funny artwork complements the bouncy poems.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781554514229
Publisher:	Annick Press, Limited
Publication date:	07/19/2012
Series:	Crazy About Sports Series
Pages:	48
Product dimensions:	7.50(w) x 9.30(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	7 - 10 Years

About the Author

Loris Lesynski is a bestselling author of brilliantly funny poems, and a frequent visitor to schools, where she gets kids excited about poetry. She lives in Toronto, Ontario.

Gerry Rasmussen draws the syndicated comic strip Betty. He has also produced cartoons and illustrations for many newspapers and magazines. He lives in Edmonton, Alberta.

Editorial Reviews

Lesynski's rollicking collection celebrates the sport of soccer. This ebullient compilation of more than 50 poems will inspire and entertain soccer enthusiasts, whether they are novice or expert players. From the commiseration offered to players who must persevere through squalls in "Rain Game" to the whimsical "Turf Burn," which comically describes the perils of artificial grass, Lesynski's verse explores the gamut of soccer experiences. The format varies, with verses that range from brief and succinct, such as the sole line comprising "The Concussion Discussion," to the lengthier "How to Be a Referee," which pays homage to the dedication of game officials. In "Over," Lesynski declares that "Remembering the fun we had / will last... / and last…"--delivering an apt reminder for young athletes to enjoy playing the game, regardless of who wins or loses. Rasmussen's comic-book–style illustrations burst across the pages in a medley of vibrant hues. His humorous vignettes complement the playful poems. Together, art and verse adeptly capture the appeal of this popular sport. (Poetry. 6-10)

Kirkus Reviews

Soccer fans will love the poems, non-players will become instant converts.

3rd Grade Reading

Mixes poetry, laughter and soccer in a rollicking rhyming collection. From the manic energy of First Touch Chant to the bootcamp mantra of Pick Up Those Knees to the building frustration of No Favourites, these poems demand to be read aloud. Hilarious artwork in pen, ink and Photoshop by Canadian cartoonist Gerry Rasmussen accents the fun and engaging humour.

North Bay Nugget

This gem of a book is enough to get even the most reluctant children, boys and girls alike, to give poetry a try.

Resource Links - Nicole Rowlinson

With cartoon-like illustrations, this book of poetry about soccer is ideal for devoted fans, whether on the field or off.

Reading Today Online - Karen Hildebrand

Poems demand[ing] to be read aloud--their rhythm natural and bouncy, their beat strong and their humour fun and engaging.

Canadian Childrens Book News - Ken Kilback

Gr 2–4—Lesynski inspires readers with long and short, funny and serious verses on various aspects of the popular sport. Some selections are ordinary: "ANYTHING can be a net./ANYTHING can be a ball…," some are thought-provoking, such as "Soccer in the Future" and "Arms Set the Pace," and others are just plain fun: "Why Tigers Aren't Allowed on the Team." Lesynski has included some rhymes that rely on sounds like "screech" that could be used as an audience response when reading aloud. There are also verses that twist readers' tongues when reciting for others. The final page encourages children to write their own poems. Cartoonlike illustrations enhance the book's playful mood. Conversations are set in balloons to add more humor. An enjoyable supplement for poetry-themed gatherings.—Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA

School Library Journal

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