Monday 7 July 2014

Book Review - Wilbie Footie mad!

BOOK PICK OF THE WEEK - 7/7/14



NAME OF THE BOOK - Wilbie Footie Mad!
AUTHOR AND ILLUSTRATOR - Sally Chambers
AGE GROUP - 3 to 8 years
GENRE - Team spirit, Football, Sportmanship.

With the ongoing FIFA 2014, Reading Rabbits couldn't be left behind in exploring a book about football. Though essentially a boy's game, this book can bridge the gender gap and inculcate interest in the game.

THE STORY -

          Wilbie, a duckling adores football so much so that he has read every book, watched every match, heard everything related to football. Except, practice! The passion of football has rubbed on him due to his father's keen interest in the game.

          One day, team trials are held in the park. Wilbie is confident that he will secure a place in the team since he is so knowledgeable about the game. But alas, he cannot even manage with the ball. He feels very disheartened. The coach sees his enthusiasm and keeps him as an extra to do odd jobs.

          His dad kindly encourages him to practice everyday. They bond very well at the practice sessions. And, at the team practice sessions, he works hard like fetching drinks and snacks to his team members with sincerity and dedication. Being so helpful, one day the team members decide to give him a chance to play at one of the sessions.

          What happens next is the rest of the story. Upon receiving a golden chance, does he prove himself? Can he secure a place in the team? What lesson does he learn? Or he just remains an extra?

THE LESSON -

          Merely being knowledgeable is not enough. You should be wise enough to use that knowledge to accomplish success and be victorious.



WHAT I LIKED IN THE BOOK -

  • Abundant soccer vocabulary with plenty of illustrations to inculcate interest in the game even for toddlers. Sally has done a good job with illustrating.
  • The bonding of father-son duo over practice is depicted very nicely. A subtle message for all of us - Spending quality time is more important.
  • Every day is not your day - An another lesson. Children will learn the spirit of sportsmanship.
  • The book shows how not to be bogged down by failures. Rather, take it in your stride and work towards it.
  • Often, over-confidence brings you down. Being merely knowledgeable but not making use of it is also disastrous.
 Till next week, happy Reading!

1 comment:

  1. Wow Awesome!! Topic and theme selection based on calendar and current social events - very thoughtfull....... Such reviews will encourage people to read more and more..... It is giving them an insight about your vast collection of books..... If I was in Nagpur, would have definitely joined your library.....keep it up Reading rabbits!! I am interested in reading more such reviews and know more about children's books....

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