Author:Paul May
"THEY'LL PULVERIZE US!"
Fizz and her mates at Hillside Primary love playing football - but the school team's first match is against the Church Street gang (mean, nasty and horrible - and that's how they play their football too). That's when their teacher decides Smithy gets the job of goalkeeper - a position Smithy HATES. Now they've got to play against the roughest bunch ever, with a goalie who doesn't want to be there. Can Fizz and Smithy team up to beat the Church Street team?
The pafce is brisk and there is enough humour to keep the reader entertained to the final whistle. Sheppard's roughly sketched, spindle-legged characters add to the humour
—— Books For KeepsOne of his best . . . In a class by itself
—— GuardianHe makes a tale of adventure a handbook to adventure
—— ObserverA little artist decides to inject color into her drab gray city. As she boldly paints the town red (and yellow and blue) she brings beauty and life to all who live there. This vivacious storybook is perfect for young children, graduates or anyone setting on their own path and in need of a little bravery or inspiration.
—— New York Post - The Best Books to Buy for ChristmasRealizing that making mistakes is part of the process could be a game-changer for the many kids who can't conquer their discouragement when their art falls short of their expectations
—— BooklistEven if readers don't need encouragement to unleash their own talents, they should be intrigued by this protagonist's arc toward artistic assurance
—— Publishers WeeklyThis book is perfect to read with children who have started drawing but sometimes feel disheartened when their drawing doesn't turn out exactly as they see it in their heads ... a stunningly beautiful book with a message for young and old - and it makes readers look anew and refreshed at the world. Ed Vere is one of the most talented children's books creators of our time and takes the care to make every word and every mark mean something, in or out of the lines
—— Booktrust