Hardcover, 32 pages
Published August 9th 2016 by Sterling Children’s Books
Source: Publisher
I adored Hey, Coach without expecting to because let’s face it, the only sport I am remotely interested in is Rugby 7s and that too only when my team (Go Fiji!) is playing. But you know what? This book gives me all the warm fuzzies, all of them.
The book follows a team of young kids who are learning to play soccer and who have a very kind and patient coach. The writing in this one, rhyming couplets, is so much fun to read out loud. But I’m getting ahead of myself.
The soccer team is made up of girls and boys and is made up of a diverse mix of kids. I love that. I love how the writing captures that essence of childhood. For example:
I think I’m ready.
Can I play?Oh…we run the other way?
The writing is full of movement and matches the motion in the art which is truly delightful. This is my introduction to Kim Smith’s work and I find it absolutely delightful. As befitting a picturebook about sports, Hey Coach is filled with art that depicts children running, playing, jumping, falling, colliding. There is an infectious energy in the art that pairs up amazingly with the art. It’s rambunctious and noisy and wonderful.
Also, how important is it that we depict girls playing sports instead of dolls? Right?
I love this picturebook, so does my 3 year old niece and I dare say you and your children will love it too. Strongly recommended.
The Book Wars 
Oh, this looks wonderful! Really captures the patience, warmth and general bemusement that makes for a fantastic coach. :)
It’s superb! I reckon the kids in your library are going to enjoy it.
The art work is bright and inviting. Thank you for bringing this one to my notice.