Customer Reviews

Shawn Sheep The Soccer Star (Barnsville Sports Squad)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Every parent of a sport-mad child wants it all to be a healthy experience; learning respect for others, developing positive role models. It's not always that way, is it? Some athletes disappoint us and our children with arrogant behavior, and when children imitate them unhappiness can follow. Author Erin Mirabella is the other kind of athlete; a World Cup track cyclist and two-time member of the U.S. Olympic cycling team, she is giving inspiration to children with her delightful Barnsville Sports Squad series. Shawn Sheep the Soccer Star (Barnsville Sports Squad) is the second book of the series, which brings gentle lessons of courage and good sportsmanship.

Shawn Sheep is a good player, but he borrows the boasting mannerisms of his idol, professional footballer Paul Peacock. Shawn's "peacock power dance" and taunting of the other team get him banned from the big match. At a food stop on the way home, Shawn is thrilled to see his idol -- but does the mighty Paul Peacock live up to his image? Does he have an encouraging word for his little fan? Since this is a book about sportsmanlike behavior, you may gather that Shawn gets his eyes opened and comes back to his team with a new appreciation of teamwork.

The book closes with an information page about soccer -- oh look! it's called football everywhere but the U.S.!! -- and Fitness Facts on the importance of good nutrition for long-lasting energy on the field.

The animals comprising the Sports Squad are brought to life by illustrator Sarah Davis. Each page is action-packed and vivid, from the crowd in the stands to the players dribbling and blocking, the story is complemented beautifully.

The Barnsville series is brought to us by VeloPress, publishers of training books for endurance athletes; a nice addition to their line. My only reservation about SHAWN SHEEP is that it's pegged for ages 4-8, and I think it's better suited to the lower ages in that range. Considering that, 4.5 stars.

Linda Bulger, 2008

This book is an excellent story about sportsmanship and teamwork. My 4 year old daughter can easily relate to the lessons in this book and can identify other kids she plays with or in sports that "behave badly like Shawn and the peacock". A wonderful lesson is shared through fun characters and great illustrations.

Great lessons for parents of kids in sports too! Keep these books coming!

Shawn Sheep the Soccer Star is an outstanding book to teach young athletes that "how you win is more important than winning."

Maybe this should be required reading many of our professional athletes as well.

The health tips at the end of the book are great too.

I'm looking forward to reading the next adventure of the Barnsville Sports Squad to my young daughter.

My daughter eagerly awaited the next book from Erin Mirabella after "Gracie Goat" entranced her. I love how the series gets my daughter interested in different sports and in fitness in general. It provides a fun way to approach some of the difficult lessons that can only be learned on the field and through teamwork!! We look forward to the next book in the series!