The legendary soccer player composes a stirring ode to his beloved sport. In first-person narration, Pelé describes his lifetime passion for the game, which began in childhood. In succinct yet eloquent prose he evokes the essence of soccer, making it accessible to a very young audience. Readers vicariously experience the thrill of a well-played game, culminating in the exhilaration of scoring a goal. Particular emphasis is placed on the value of teamwork and good sportsmanship. Morrison’s vibrant, energetic illustrations depict a dual story. Each two-page spread features vignettes from Pelé’s career on one page (subtly aging their subject over the course of the book), while the facing page reveals a parallel story line of a modern-day child learning to love the game. The vivid pictures, featuring slightly elongated figures and tilted perspectives, convey all the energy of this universal sport. A two-page addendum follows the story, describing the author’s life and soccer career. A must-share for soccer enthusiasts of any age. (Picture book. 3-8)
