Soccer World

Gr 1-3–Soccer-loving twins Pete and Zoe play for the same team, Pete as keeper, Zoe a striker. To celebrate a win, their parents take them to the Soccer World store to pick out new balls. After a dispute, the twins chase a fumble and suddenly find themselves in Soccer World, an alternative reality with a “glacier of goalies” and a monumental sculpture of shin guards. A match breaks out around them involving top-notch players and the kids, now magically in brand-new uniforms, are drafted for play. Sibling rivalry disputes bring attention from Ref Jeff and a focus on sportsmanlike behavior. Before joining the championship match, they have to pass through the Sportsmanship Indicator 2000 for scanning. When Zoe’s bicycle kick goal edges out the vile Side Tackling Jackals for the championship, teammates toss the twins in the air in celebration, and they land back at the store. Duncan’s dynamic illustrations feature simple, expressive caricatures and lots of action.