THE PERFECT MATCH

A bedtime tale reenvisions the “Cinderella” story—in more ways than one.

Jack asks Dad for his nightly favorite, a story starring young Leo, saddled with two mean older brothers and overburdened by household drudgery. But Leo turns chores into “soccer practice,” balling up the washing and kicking it into the dryer. When Prince Ollie’s invitation to play in the Royal Soccer Match arrives, Leo’s brothers mock him. In a sparkly swirl, a winged, white-bearded gent appears. “I am your Hairy Squadfather. And you shall go to the match!” Bestowing upon Leo the uniform of the Purple Knights (Prince Ollie’s team) and a pair of silver cleats, the Hairy Squadfather transforms a soccer ball into “an amazing race car!” Leo drives off as the Squadfather reminds him to arrive home before the winners’ trophy is hoisted. Leo helps lead the team to a win—losing a cleat in the process. Magic fades as Leo sprints home. Next day, the silver cleat proffered by Prince Ollie fits only Leo. In a lovely twist, the omniscient narrator now refers to Jack’s storytelling dad as “King Leo.” Jack’s other dad, King Ollie, appears at the bedroom door, affirming their familial good fortune. Taylor’s appealing final spread portrays the loving royal family kicking it on the castle lawn. Together, author and illustrator riff whimsically—and joyfully—on their source material. Jack, Leo, and the older brothers are pale-skinned, Ollie is brown-skinned, and the teams are a diverse mix.

A charming turnabout, for the win.