K is for Kick: A Soccer Alphabet ANNOTATION
Examines the history and lore of soccer from A for a game played "all over the world" to Z for "Zinedine Zidane," a French star named the world's best.
FROM THE CRITICS
Publishers Weekly
What Z Is for Zamboni did for hockey, K Is for Kick: A Soccer Alphabet by Brad Herzog, illus. by Melanie Rose-Popp, does for soccer, explaining its rudiments from A as in "Argentina to Australia," where the game is played, to Z for "Zinedine Zidane, a French star named world's best, and athletes of all ages who play the game with zest." (Sept.) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.
Children's Literature - Heidi Hauser Green
This colorful, vibrant alphabet book seeks to make language—and soccer—interesting and fun. The various elements of this highly popular sport are presented in a two-tier format that works well with the alphabetic arrangement. Each page features a different letter showcased in an eight-line rhyme. The side of the page presents a paragraph or two of more detailed history and lore of the game. Young readers are sure to enjoy the rhymes and the lively illustrations. Older readers—and those who are truly dedicated to the sport—will be fascinated by the information presented on the side. Brad Herzog's text covers a wide range of topics, from the evolution of soccer uniforms and what a "trap" is, to how fast a soccer ball can be kicked and who officiates at a game. Melanie Rose-Popp's illustrations are a glowing tribute to the energy of this beloved sport. 2003, Sleeping Bear/Gale Group, Ages 4 to 10.
School Library Journal
Gr 1-4-This alphabet book is loaded with informational tidbits about the sport but its audience is unclear. Young children may enjoy searching for specific letters within verses, such as, "-B is for brave boys and girls/who try with all their might/to boot that bouncing soccer ball/colored black and white," but they are not likely to understand, "C is for clubs everywhere/that give the fans their fill,/like Italy's A.C. Milan/and Santos in Brazil." Difficult letters Q, U, V, Y, and Z are imaginatively represented, but X merely "marks the spot." On each page or spread, letters are shown in both upper- and lowercase. The alphabetical organization predominates; otherwise, there is no apparent arrangementof the material. Older readers may peruse the substantial sidebars, which are set in a rather small font. They flesh out information presented in the related verse and/or provide additional associations with the letter. Acrylic paintings depict action-filled scenes and zoom in to show the emotion on the players' faces, but do little to support the many historical facts. A supplemental purchase.-Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.
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