Kenny and the Little Kickers

by Claudio Marzollo, Jacqueline Rogers

Although he feels shy and out of place on the playing field, Kenny agrees to try soccer

Genres: Childrens

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

Reviews

[Kelly Chester]

Super cute books

[Randie D. Camp, M.S.]

It breaks my heart to come across a book so poorly developed. Kenny the badger is invited to play soccer but he feels "too big and fat" to play soccer and says no. Kenny's character isn't "larger" than the other characters but his clothes are drawn too small so that his belly hangs out. The book never addresses Kenny's negative self-image nor does it address being big, fat, overweight, obese, etc. However, Kenny is continually pressured by the coach, friends, and his parents to play soccer. He timidly agrees to play and is peer pressured some more until he finally kicks the ball.

To make matters worse, the author actually coached soccer. I cannot help but wonder how many children were singled out, bullied, or pressured into doing what this coach wanted...

[Rbettermann]

I enjoy this little book. I would recommend this book for grades k-2 and I would engage students first by discussing sports and quality of health in general. The readers would discovery encouragement and an attitude of not giving up;when this is done a new beginning in oneself arises. This was the case with Kenny in he game of soccer. This contemporary reader is beautifully illustrated by Jacqueline Rogers.

[Jessicaleighb]

Students really enjoy it. Good for understanding small moment stories.

[Sarah]

Lesson: try new things/ stick with it