television and Sportsnet Radio play-by-play voice Eric Smith
"Fitness should be fun, and the Lucy Tries Sports series is a shining example of that."
Olympic gold medalist and founder of Fast and Fema Chandra Crawford
"This is my number-one recommendation for a game-changing book, for boys and girls alike, about sportsmanship. It's a super-fun read, and though it's targeted to children aged four to eight, my two-year-old is absolutely loving it. Of the hundreds of kids' books I've read this year, the Lucy books from Lisa Bowes are the best."
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"A great story for sharing with both boys and girls...The story teaches the ins and outs of soccer, in a way that many preschoolers will relate to...Recommended for school and public libraries."
CEO at CAAWS (Canadian Association for the Advance Allison Sandmeyer-Graves
"Playing sports and being active empowers girls for life. Lucy Tries Sports encourages girls to try a wide range of sports and teaches them valuable lessons in leadership, supporting one another, and working towards—and achieving—your goals through sport!"
Captain of the Canadian National Soccer team and O Christine Sinclair
"Lucy is an awesome role model for kids at any age! She demonstrates the value of getting involved in sports and how teamwork and good coaching can positively affect childhood and beyond."
OC and two time Olympic Speed Skating Champion Catriona Le May Doan
"The Lucy Tries Sports series teaches how sport is about fun and healthy competition. They also introduce various different sports to young kids and hopefully inspire them to stay active and healthy. I love that my kids can read the series in English and French. These books are a must for the entire family."
President of Calgary Minor Soccer Association Tony Wooster
I can't wait to share Lucy’s message of fair play and sportsmanship with my own grandchildren. The LUCY stories help children learn about sports in a gentle encouraging fun manner.
Dave King
"The Lucy Tries Sports series is terrific for children! It inspires them to be physically active and reinforces so many aspects of their social skill development. A really positive assistance to parenting children."
Bob Lenarduzzi
Lucy serves as a strong role model for young girls and boys. She teaches them about three of the most important pillars in the game: sportsmanship, hard work, and a positive attitude on and off the pitch!
School Library Journal
04/01/2016
K-Gr 2—In this title, Lucy learns how to play the game with her friends. Bowes is a sports reporter and play-by-play announcer who clearly is enthusiastic about children experiencing different sports activities. Multiple ethnicities are portrayed in Hearne's appealing and friendly illustrations, which are drawn by hand and colorized digitally. The four friends (two girls and two boys) demonstrate how players substitute and take turns playing in a "three on three" game. While not detailing specific rules, the author uses the informational picture book style to show ways to start moving the soccer ball around the field. Bowes provides a simple "tick tock" drill to get warmed up. Five "Fast Facts" about soccer are appended. VERDICT A fine introductory story to read before a new team gathers to learn the game.—Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA
Kirkus Reviews
2016-02-02
Soccer is the latest sports endeavor for spunky, industrious Lucy. In this newest entry in the Lucy Tries Sports series (Lucy Tries Luge, 2015, etc.), Lucy ventures onto the soccer field. Under the guidance of a friendly coach, Lucy and her friends apply their fledgling skills in their first three-on-three game. In jaunty rhyming text, Bowes captures the exhilaration of the game, building the anticipation as Lucy's team works collaboratively on the field. She introduces common soccer terms, detailing the various skills the players use in preparation for and during the game. Emphasizing teamwork and good sportsmanship, the tale focuses on Lucy's enjoyment of the game. Descriptions of Lucy's behavior on the field and on the sidelines present a positive example for young players. A "Fast Facts!" section provides further information about soccer for interested readers. The book's design includes text with various words and phrases highlighted in bold, eye-catching colors, accompanied by sunny, upbeat illustrations. Hearne's artwork captures the energetic enthusiasm of Lucy, a redheaded white girl, and her racially diverse friends. The cheery pictures of these young athletes wholeheartedly playing and learning the sport aptly convey the global appeal of soccer. With playful exuberance, Bowes' lively tale shares the fun of soccer with young readers. (Picture book. 4-8)
