Team Alva
German, Robby Hunke, 2022
We are in football fever! And even the little ones are getting excited. These three children's books will get you through the exciting European Championship season in style.
My daughters have been infected. That's actually great for once: because the virus is called the European Football Championship. Just like the grown-ups, they are cheering on the Swiss national team. Loudly and emotionally. And they have lots of questions on their minds: Why is the goalkeeper wearing a different shirt to the rest of the team? Why isn't stoppage time always the same length? And how does offside work?
It's quite possible that you feel the same way at the moment. With these three children's books, we may not be able to answer all of our little ones' unanswered questions - but we can celebrate the most beautiful minor matter in the world a little more with them.
This is what it's all about: Moose girl Alva often plays football with the other animal children in the neighbourhood. Until three penguins cause a stir: not only do they kick awkwardly, but they also don't know the rules of football - so Felix the Fox kicks them off the pitch. Alva sadly accompanies her dad, a football commentator, to his work and learns an important lesson: football is for everyone.
Conclusion: A picture book story about the unifying power of football by German football commentator Robby Hunke. Powerful colours and detailed pictures guide you through the story about moose girl Alva - a likeable role model for children.
Age recommendation: from 4 years
That's the point: This book doesn't tell a story. It takes the child by the hand and shows them the big and diverse world of football: the audience sees what they need to play (just a football), where they can play (everywhere) and who can do it (everyone). They also learn about the origins of the team sport and the tasks of the individual players.
Conclusion: A lovingly designed picture book with a strong message. Lots of instructive information to help you get to grips with the world of football. Everything explained with lots of pictures and little text.
Age recommendation: officially from 3 years - I would recommend at least 4 years
Football - Everyone plays
German, Ben Lerwill, Marina Ruiz, Jens Dreisbach, 2024
This is what it's all about: Hibiscus the rabbit and his friends are training for the forest football championship. But all beginnings are difficult: first there is confusion about the jerseys, then they realise that the goal is perhaps not the best position for the mouse. But then things start to go well and Hibiscus' team "THE TEAM" even makes it to a thrilling final match. But who actually wins in the event of a draw?
Conclusion: A fun and fast-paced picture book story about team play and fairness. With a surprise at the end. For football fans as well as for children who don't (yet) have much to do with football.
Age recommendation: from 3 years
Ravensburger Hare Hibiscus and the football forest championship
German, Andrew King, Guenther Jacobs, 2024
Mom of Anna and Elsa, aperitif expert, group fitness fanatic, aspiring dancer and gossip lover. Often a multitasker and a person who wants it all, sometimes a chocolate chef and queen of the couch.