Have you caught World Cup Fever? I feel like every time I turn around, I am hearing about it or seeing merchandise for it. It is on the news almost daily and of course with some of the games being in the Boston area, it is all anyone is talking about. The first game in Boston is about a week away and people are getting excited for it, or they are dreading it because of the crowds that will be coming this week. However, I am looking at it like the Olympics. It is a positive time where countries gather and compete in a friendly way. Our world needs more friendly. The first book is a picture book. It is The World's Game by Yamile Saied Méndez and illustrated by Andrés Landazábal. It is recommended for ages 3 to 7.
About the Book:
A vibrant picture book celebrating soccer and its worldwide fans, perfect for the 2026 World Cup--hosted in the US, Canada, and Mexico.One field.
One ball.
Two teams...and a whole lot of fans!
Soccer and the World Cup bring people from all over the world together. Witness the energy, passion, and glory of the world's most popular sport, on and off the field. As one match happens in the stadium, one family gathers to watch the game at home. See the players leave it all on the field and the family watch enthusiastically on tv.
With bright, colorful art and lively dialogue, this uplifting and heartfelt story is a love letter to the sport, the fans, and the communities we make. Get ready to jump, holler, and cheer for "the beautiful game"!
From Me:
This sweet picture book is all about the game. It features a diverse group gathering for a watch party. The feelings run strong and there is excitement. The watch party includes banners, snacks and lots of fans. The entire group is excited, and it is made up of all ages. Different opinions come out during the game. They get excited for a goal and argue over penalties.
At the end of the book is the Author's Note which talks about how most cultures had something like soccer. It talks about the names of soccer and football and so much more. The inside covers are full of different countries' flags. The book truly shows how the World Cup brings people together including different cultures and countries. It is a fun and colorful book that is perfect to help kids get ready to watch the game as a family or at a party. For kids to learn more about soccer be sure to check out the board book we shared recently.
Our next book is a middle grade book that is part graphic novel. It shares the history of the World Cup and one big game for Lionel Messi and Argentina. The book is the first in the History's Greatest Games series. The book is Lionel Messi's World Cup Triumph by Chris Barish and illustrated by Nate Sweitzer. It is recommended for ages 8 to 12.
About the Book:
This thrilling new nonfiction graphic novel series offers a front row seat to the greatest moments in sports history, starting with Lionel Messi and his triumph in the 2022 FIFA World Cup against French superstar Kylian MbappéA Junior Library Guild Selection
It's the 2022 FIFA World Cup final, and Lionel Messi—one of the greatest players to ever take the field—is one match away from victory. Despite his many awards and accolades, Messi has never been able to add a World Cup trophy to his collection.
If Argentina wins, this would be a historic moment not just for the country, but for the entire legacy of soccer on the international stage.
Travel back in time to learn how the World Cup began and see the incredible players—from Maradona to Mbappé—who built it into the global phenomenon we know today.
This exciting new graphic novel series offers a portal to the past, putting young readers in the middle of the most epic moments in sports history.
Along with action-packed games and nail-biting victories, this series zooms out to explore the incredible backstories, social and political issues, and larger historical context that truly make these games the greatest in history.
From Me:
This book shares the history of the World Cup as well as the story of Lionel Messi. Throughout the book there are time-outs for trivia and side stories. It also shares the big win of 2022. This book is packed full of information!! It shares all sorts of stories from the World Cup games from the beginning. It even includes how the Jules Rimet Trophy is missing. This book is a mix of the history of the World Cup to the story of Lionel Messi finally winning the World Cup to add to his many trophies.
The book is told as a sportscaster sharing the events of the game. I love how it includes so much history. It also has some various trivia quizzes and different things for the reader to try. I found it interesting that Jules Rimet began the World Cup to try to lift spirits during the Great Depression. The entire story is really interesting. This book is perfect for soccer enthusiasts, Messi fans, and anyone who wants to learn more about the World Cup including some of the rules and what happens when there is a tie. This book is a complete guide to the World Cup and soccer. It teaches the reader who is who as well as some of the various rules and vocabulary of the game. It is a great book to get ready to watch the games and learn more about the sport as well as the competition.
Soccer Craft Roundup
To go with these books here are some soccer crafts to try besides of course watching the games! We did a previous roundup here. There are also great roundups at Mum in the Madhouse, Red Ted Art, Happy Toddler Playtime, and The Soccer Mom Blog.
1) Paper Plate Football Craft from The Gingerbread House
2) Paper Plate Soccer Ball Craft with free template from Fireflies and Mud Pies
3) Printable Soccer Themed Valentines
4) Soccer Perler Beads Crafts with free templates from Rock Your Homeschool
5) Poppy Cat Finger Football from Red Ted Art
6) Sports Ball Ornaments from Crafts by Amanda
7) Soccer Ball Paper Lanterns from The Soccer Mom Blog are perfect for decorations for a watch party
8) Chocolate Covered Soccer Oreos from The Soccer Mom Blog are perfect for a snack during the game
