The Field, Paul Baptiste

School Library Journal Best Book of 2018

The Horn Book Best Picture Book of 2018

Shelf Awareness Best Childrens Book of the Year

Bank Street Best Childrens Book of the Year

A soccer story--for boy and girls alike--just in time for the World Cup

Vini Come The field calls cries a girl as she and her younger brother rouse their community--family, friends, and the local fruit vendor--for a pickup soccer (futbol) game. Boys and girls, young and old, players and spectators come running--bearing balls, shoes, goals, and a love of the sport.

Friends versus friends teams are formed, the field is cleared of cows, and the game begins But will a tropical rainstorm threaten their plans?

The worlds most popular and inclusive sport has found its spirited, poetic, and authentic voice in Baptiste Pauls debut picture book--highlighting the joys of the game along with its universal themes: teamwork, leadership, diversity, and acceptance. Creole words (as spoken in St. Lucia, the authors birthplace island in the Caribbean) add spice to the story and are a strong reminder of the sports world fame. Bright and brilliant illustrations by debut childrens book illustrator Jacqueline Alc ntara--winner of the We Need Diverse Books Illustration Mentorship Award--capture the grit and glory of the game and the beauty of the island setting where this particular field was inspired.