From School Library Journal
Grade 1-3-The fantasy of becoming a world-class soccer star and ultimately scoring a "wonder goal" has to have passed through many young players' imaginations. Foreman, a lifelong fan of the sport, captures this reverie in the artistry of his vivid watercolors. These are the real strength of the book. Each of his panoramic, framed scenes spans nearly the entire width of a spread, evoking the feeling of a larger-than-life dream. Crisp blue uniforms against lush green grass on the field lead up to a dramatic page where the ball smacks the net (heading directly toward readers). These visuals set the mood for the players' exuberant emotions as they celebrate a goal that wins the game. Endpapers depict Foreman's sketches of scenes of soccer being played in streets, fields, and schools and courtyards of countries around the world. This book will be suitable for dreamers in any sport.
Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Gr. 1-3. A boy who hammers in a winning goal for his local soccer team gains a sense of what it would be like to score the winning goal at the World Cup in this imaginative title. Teased by the other players for being the new guy, the boy is pleased when he has a "perfect" second half of a game, scoring a goal, although he's disappointed that his dad isn't there to watch. The pictures shift from the soccer field to the boy's bedroom, filled with soccer photographs, where the boy dreams of the future. These photographs mirror the action in the next set of illustrations, which show the boy's fantasies, as he plays in the final game of the World Cup; this time, of course, Dad is there. Foreman's language is appealingly simple, and the large, evocative watercolors add to the dreamlike quality, with details such as clouds that resemble players in action. Endpapers feature watercolor sketches of soccer being played throughout the world. A loving tribute to what the English call the "beautiful game." Todd Morning
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Review
" Foremans' language is appealingly simple, and the large, evocative watercolors add to the dreamlike quality, with details such as clouds that resemble players in action...A loving tribute to what the English call the "beautiful game" [soccer]." --Booklist
"Dreams do come true in Foreman's story of kicking a big goal in a soccer match...Foreman works a good visual transition from the playground to the professional soccer field, loading the page-and-a-half spreads with action and the color of sport pageantry...Lots of a good thing here..." --Kirkus Review
"Dreams do come true in Foreman's story of kicking a big goal in a soccer match...Foreman works a good visual transition from the playground to the professional soccer field, loading the page-and-a-half spreads with action and the color of sport pageantry...Lots of a good thing here..." --Kirkus Review
Book Description
He shoots!
He scores!
It was perfect.
Head over the ball,
balance, power, timing . . .
As soon as he kicked it,
he knew it was going to be a goal.
Wonder Goal! is all about this perfect shot, the fantasy shot that haunts the dreams of all soccer players – young and old – whether their game is taking place on a freezing cold roadside soccer field or in front of thousands of cheering fans in the final match of the World Cup.
With a stirring, simple text and glorious watercolors, Michael Foreman brings the fantasy to life in a picture book that captures both the drama and the magic of the most popular game in the world.
He scores!
It was perfect.
Head over the ball,
balance, power, timing . . .
As soon as he kicked it,
he knew it was going to be a goal.
Wonder Goal! is all about this perfect shot, the fantasy shot that haunts the dreams of all soccer players – young and old – whether their game is taking place on a freezing cold roadside soccer field or in front of thousands of cheering fans in the final match of the World Cup.
With a stirring, simple text and glorious watercolors, Michael Foreman brings the fantasy to life in a picture book that captures both the drama and the magic of the most popular game in the world.
About the Author
Michael Foreman is a two-time winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal, for War Boy and Long Neck and Thunder Foot, and a lifelong soccer fan. He lives in London, England.
