The Field [Hardcover]

Kirkus ReviewsBest Picture Book of 2018

School Library JournalBest Book of 2018

The Horn BookBest Picture Book of 2018

Shelf AwarenessBest Children's Book of the Year

Bank Street Best Children's 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 world’s most popular and inclusive sport has found its spirited, poetic, and authentic voice in Baptiste Paul’s 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 author’s birthplace island in the Caribbean) add spice to the story and are a strong reminder of the sport’s world fame. Bright and brilliant illustrations by debut children’s book illustrator Jacqueline Alcántara—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.
 
Soccer fan or not, the call ofThe Fieldis irresistible.Baptiste Paul is a man of many talents—from woodworking to gardening to entertaining hordes of children for hours on end.  Born and raised in the West Indies (St. Lucia), Baptiste is a native Creole/Patois speaker and enjoys roasting his own coffee and chocollÓ.