Sergio Saves the Game [Hardcover]

Edel Rodriguez (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2009 | Grade Level: P and up | Series: Sergio

Sergio's a soccer star... in his dreams. He can't even kick the ball! So Sergio decides to try playing another position--goalie! He isn't so good at first, but with hard work and practice, he's ready for the game against the big, bad Seagulls. Will Sergio become a true star?

This adorable "everypenguin" (Kirkus) returns with a story about determination and finding your true talents, leading to a triumphant and hilarious outcome.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-K–Sergio has big dreams of being a star soccer player. In reality, though, the young penguin often stumbles and falls running after the ball and does not attain the success he yearns to have. Then his mother suggests that he try playing goalie. The game against the big, bruisin' Seagulls becomes his test of talent. Beginning soccer players will relate to Sergio's frustrations and admire his resolve. Rodriguez uses an attractive, yet simple palette of aqua, golden yellow, rust red, and penguin black, and the colors stand out sharply against the white background. Action is created with varying perspectives on the ball flying at the lone goalie. Pair this title with Brigitte Weninger's Davy, Soccer Star! (NorthSouth, 2008). Fans of Sergio Makes a Splash! (Little, Brown, 2008) will relish it.–Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA
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About the Author

Edel Rodriguez was born in Havana, Cuba. He left for America on a boat with his parents and sister when he was 8 years old. His drawings and illustrations have appeared in four picture books, including Float Like a Butterfly and Oye, Celia!, on stamps for the U.S. Postal Service, The New Yorker, and posters for Broadway shows. Edel has also been an art director at TIME Magazine for over a decade. His first book with Little, Brown was Sergio Makes a Splash. He lives with his wife and daughter in New Jersey.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (May 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316066176
• ISBN-13: 978-0316066174
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 0.4 x 10.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,182,776 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Sergio's pluck and determination just might save the day!, August 7, 2009

By 

D. Fowler "Dragonfly77" (Vermont) - See all my reviews
(TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sergio Saves the Game (Hardcover)

Sergio was a first class soccer nut. When the big game was on television he'd sit there, ball in hand, with his red foam #1 pointer finger pointed straight up in the air. Whsssh! "He kicks, jumps, defends, heads, butts, knees, shoots . . . and scores!" Oh, yeah. Sergio was a big star, but that was only "in his dreams." In real life he was a big clod. He'd do everything from tripping over the ball to slippy, sliding right on his side. The only time he managed to score was to set and shoot the ball into his own team's net. Duh, Sergio!

Of course it was a total disappointment to be the last one chosen for a team (they'd much rather have the fish"). He went home and said, "Mom, no one wants to play soccer with me, I always slip and fall." She told him to play something like Ping-Pong or try out for the goalie position. Sergio was going to be the goalie and would have to practice, practice, practice. The championship game between the Penguins and the Seagulls soon arrived. The gulls took one look at Sergio and scoffed, "That's your goalie?" They laughed, said he was tiny and that winning the game would be a snap. Hmmmm, maybe they had another thing coming!

This is a humorous tale that shows children that a little pluck and determination can go a long way in life. The art work is fun and will get a few giggles, especially when tiny Sergio goes up against the gang of nasty gulls ("This will be so easy"). If you have a determined soccer fan in your house, they just might get a kick out of this book!

4.0 out of 5 stars Book Review: Sergio Saves the Game!, June 30, 2009

By 

T. Jonker - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sergio Saves the Game (Hardcover)

While it doesn't quite match the highs of its predecessor in terms of tension and resolution, Sergio Saves the Game! comes pretty close.

Sergio dreams of being a soccer star. In real life, the penguin is not as athletic as he would like. With the biggest game of the year approaching (against the imposing Seagulls), Sergio continues to improve as goaltender. When the game comes down to the final penalty shot, Sergio uses all his talents to save the win for his team. It may not be the way he planned it, but Sergio (and the reader) will be pleased with the unexpected resolution.

The woodblock print and digital media illustrations have a vibrantly retro feel, which makes sense given the old/new techniques Rodriguez used to create them. As in the first Sergio installment, the color palate is limited, employing orange and teal. This time out, a touch of red also joins the mix. The bright illustrations will stand out nicely during read-aloud time.

Wonderful artwork, humor, and a storyline that will hold readers right up to the end - Sergio Saves the Game! is a title that deserves to be in your picture book collection.