Soccer fan or not, the call ofThe Fieldis irresistible.

Irresistible fun.Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

A wonderful depiction of a joyful pastime . . . and a reminder of some of the ways we are more alike than different.Booklist, Starred Review

Kirkus ReviewsBest Picture Book of 2018
School Library JournalBest Book of 2018
The Horn BookFanfare 2018
Shelf Awareness Best Childrens Book of the Year
Bank Street Best Childrens Book of the Year
A Junior Library Guild Selection
Winner of the Sonia Lynn Sadler Award

Vini! Come! The field calls! cries a girl as she and her younger brother rouse their communityfamily, friends, and the local fruit vendorfor a pick-up soccer (futbol) game. Childrenyoung and oldplayers and spectators come runningbringing balls, shoes, goals, and a love of the sport.

Friends versus friends teams are formed, the field is cleared of cows, and the game begins! But will a tropical rainstorm threaten their plans?

The worlds most popular and inclusive sport has found its spirited and authentic voice in Baptiste Pauls debut picture book highlighting the joys of the game along with its universal themes: teamwork, leadership, diversity, and acceptance. Creole words spoke in Saint Lucia, the book’s setting, create a bilingual text that reminds readers of the sports world fame. Bright and brilliant debut illustrations by childrens book illustrator Jacqueline Alcntarawinner of the We Need Diverse Books Illustration Mentorship awardcapture the grit and glory of the game and the beauty of the island setting that inspired this field.