Review by Booklist Review
Ages 3^-6. In his sixth outing, Froggy (seen most recently in Froggy's First Kiss [1998]) is eager to help his Dream Team defeat the Wild Things and win the City Cup. Dad urges him to "Head it! / Boot it! / Knee it! / Shoot it! / BUT DON'T USE YOUR HANDS!" Predictably, Froggy can't do anything right--when he's not paying close attention, he misses an important kick; later, while he's tying his shoe, a soccer ball knocks him down; and when he catches the ball with his hands, the other team scores on a penalty kick. Luckily, after another reminder from Dad, Froggy's skills resurface, and he kicks the winning goal, redeeming himself in the eyes of the team. Remkiewicz's brightly colored artwork enhances London's humorous text, and young listeners, many of whom play soccer themselves, will identify with Froggy's frustrations. A good choice for story hours or reading aloud, this should be popular with Froggy's legion of fans. --Kay Weisman
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 1-This sixth installment about the lovable frog uses a favorite sport as its theme. Froggy has joined the Dream Team, coached by his father and a friend's mother. On the day they play the Wild Things for the City Cup, he dons his gear (pulling on his underwear with a "zap" and his socks with a "zoop") and heads for the field. These sound effects and the repetitive refrain, "Head it! Boot it! Knee it! Shoot it! BUT DON'T USE YOUR HANDS," will appeal to listeners of this read-aloud. The audience will understandingly blush alongside Froggy when he gets so wrapped up in the action that he forgets the chant and accidentally catches the soccer ball to prevent a goal. Remkiewicz's bright cartoon illustrations capture the characters' enjoyment of the game through their expressive faces. An amusing story sure to please Froggy fans and maybe win a few new ones.-Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Froggy's soccer team is playing the Wild Things for the City Cup. He can't wait to get out on the field, but once the game starts, he's easily distracted. (Froggy was doing cartwheels. Froggy was picking daisies.) When he does get involved, he almost costs the Dream Team the game. Play-by-play soccer action, lots of humor, and energetic artwork will please fans of this irrepressible frog. From HORN BOOK Fall 1999, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
This latest Froggy title (Froggy Goes to School, 1996, etc.) is utterly unfocused, with the star careening from soccer dolt to Mr. Superkick. Froggy's team has a big game coming up with the Wild Things, and he is trying to remember the mantra his father, and assistant coach, taught him: ``Head it! Boot it! Knee it! Shoot it! But don't use your hands!'' But illegally touching the ball seems to be the least of Froggy's worries; distraction is his problem. He is so busy turning cartwheels, tying his shoes, and more, that the only time he makes contact with the ball is when it bounces off his head by mistake. Then, when the Wild Things make a breakaway, Froggy has some dazzling moves to avert a score, but forgetfully grabs the ball at the last second. The other team gets a penalty kick, converts it, but then Froggy makes a field-long kick for a game-winning score. London forces Froggy into too many guises'the fool, the hero, the klutz, the fancy dancer'but none of them stick. Remkiewicz's illustrations have charm; it is in their appeal that this book will find its audience. (Picture book. 2-6)
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
