Curious George Plays Soccer

The perfect book for budding soccer players ready to take the field for the first time! George cannot wait to play soccer, but it seems he doesn't quite understand the rules. After a mishap or two during his first game, our favorite monkey signs up for soccer camp so he learns how to play in time for the next match.

 

Best Kids' Books About Soccer 

Soccer is a one of the most popular sports that children play at a very young age. The fast-paced game with lots of running, kicking, blocking, and falling are all part of the fun from the time kids are toddlers. Reading soccer books for children is a fun way to prepare your little tykes for their foray into what might be their very first team sport! And when they ready to try other sports, be sure to add some of the best kids' books about baseball to the list.

A real draw to the game is that children can start playing soccer from about the time they are three years old. When young children take the field for the first time, they begin their journey of learning so many valuable lessons. Physically, they are working on dexterity and coordination. Mentally, they are working on sportsmanship, assertiveness, ambition, compassion, and so many other qualities. Reading the best kids books about soccer is great way to prepare your child for everything they can expect to see in a game.

 

 

 

Best Soccer Books for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Long before you can bond with your child watching or playing an actual soccer game, you can snuggle up with some action-packed books about this fun sport. The black and white  ball images will grab the attention of your little one throughout the pages of these baby books about soccer. These soccer books introduce basic concepts using simple terminology and bold illustrations. 

 

Spot Plays Soccer

A fun, simple soccer book for toddlers featuring their favorite puppy. Spot is the captain of his team. Will he be able to lead them to a win? Kids will enjoy the bright illustrations as they follow the soccer game in this sturdy board book.

 

 

My First Book of Soccer

Arguably one of the best introductory soccer books for toddlers! Filled with photographs of real soccer gear, fields, and players, kids will feel like they are part of the game. Little rookie characters appear on each page to teach us all the important soccer terms, like goal, yellow card, offside, and more!

 

Let's Play Soccer

Babies will love this interactive, lift-the-flap soccer book. The chunky format is perfect for little hands ready to explore all the fun things about soccer. They will practice counting all the soccer players on the field and learn soccer terms. The animal players demonstrate good sportsmanship after a competitive game. Lots of lessons packed in this sturdy soccer book.

 

 

 

Goodnight Soccer

Tired soccer fans will love being lulled to sleep with this bedtime story. Rhyming text carries little readers off to the very first kickoff to the final goal of a soccer game. Pages are filled with cheering fans, energetic players, and all the excitement of the game. Pair this book with a plush soccer ball to make a great baby gift for a soccer-loving family.

 

 

Little Soccer

An adorable, sturdy board book about soccer for babies. Each pages features a bold illustration of a soccer image along with a cute riddle about the game. Pair this chunky book with a plush soccer ball to make the perfect baby shower gift for parents who played the game.

 

 

My First Soccer Book

An eye-catching tactile cover will draw your toddler to this book every time. Each page features a bold illustration of a soccer-related image paired with a simple soccer term. Preschoolers will enjoy the photos of diverse children playing soccer, as well.

 

 

 

Best Children's Soccer Books for Kindergarten and Up

Soccer is a game that teaches lessons kids can carry off the field and apply to other life experiences. Learning how to be a team player is a big one. This game cannot be won without the entire team working together. Every player has a job to do that completely depends on teammates doing their part. Once a soccer team has mastered this concept, there is no stopping them. These soccer books for kids highlight the importance of coming together with one single purpose- to score the winning goal.

 

World Cup Women

A celebration of the 23 women who made history by winning the Women's World Cup in 2019. Readers are given a glimpse at the years of hard work that each of these players invested well before they became household names. Charming illustrations perfectly capture the personalities of each of the athletes. A fantastic soccer picture book that emphasizes the devotion and determination necessary to achieve the highest level of success on the field.

 

The Everything Kids' Soccer Book

Soccer players will devour this book that is chock full of everything you'll ever need to know about the game. While most learning takes place on the field, don't miss the opportunity to teach your child soccer techniques through reading! Games and puzzles provide an additional interactive element that will keep them entertained for hours.

 

The Berenstain Bears Get Their Kicks

Join Brother and Sister as they learn all the ins and outs of soccer! Mama Bear has signed up to be the team mom but Papa Bear, who is more of a baseball fan, isn't so sure about this new sport. Like other Berenstain Bear books, this soccer story covers all the important lessons like practice and teamwork. A bonus page of stickers adds to the fun.

 

 

 Pinkalicious Soccer Star

Pinkalicious fans will love this early reader book about a feisty girl who takes the field in a pink uniform. The opposing team makes fun of her and her pink soccer ball. Readers will enjoy this charming book about a girl who takes a magical journey with her unicorn mid-game and then returns to kick the winning goal.

 

 

 

The Floating Field: How a Group of Thai Boys Built Their Own Soccer Field

Nothing will stand in the way of these boys determined to play soccer against all odds. An inspiring true story that took place in a Thai village that was built on stilts. After watching the World Cup on TV, a group of kids decided that they wanted to take up the sport. The only problem is that there was no open space to play, except for twice a month when the tide was low. Kids will love this story of ingenuity and determination that went into building a floating soccer field.

 

 

My Soccer Book

A simple, boldly illustrated picture book just right for kids who are beginning their journey on playing soccer. Kids will learns about all the markings on the field, the names of the positions, and more. It's a fantastic soccer book for beginners who want to learn a bit before their first time playing the game.

 

 

Soccerverse: Poems About Soccer

A clever book gift for soccer fans! A creative collection of poems describe all aspects of the sport. Winning, losing, forming friendship, showing good sportsmanship and many more life lessons are embedded in each little poem. Bold artwork complements all the important messages learned in the game of soccer. 

 

Betty Bunny Wants a Goal

One of the most difficult lessons a child learns when playing a sport is failure. Betty Bunny is enthusiastic and overly optimistic about scoring a lot of goals in her first soccer game. But despite her ambitious attitude, Betty doesn't get the ball past the goalie even one time.  In a huff, she throws away her uniform and declares she has quit. With the encouragement of her parents, Betty Bunny returns to the soccer field and learns a valuable lesson about hard work.

 

 

 

 

National Geographic Kids: Everything Soccer

The ultimate soccer reference book packed with illustrations, facts, techniques, and anecdotes all about this super sport. Kids will love flipping through the pages and reading all the excerpts. An interactive, comprehensive glossary is sure to impress even the most well-versed soccer experts.

 

 

Soccer Game!

A very basic Level 1 book for soccer players who are just learning how to read. Simple sentences about a soccer game are paired with fun pictures of kids engaging in an action-packed match. 

 

 

Pelé King of Soccer

A fantastic bilingual soccer book about a legendary player.  Children will learn about a poor Brazilian boy who developed a passion for soccer at a very young age.  He went on to become known as the King of Soccer when he scored 1000 goals in his career, more than anyone else in the history of the game. This nonfictional account of a true soccer star is enhanced with amazing artwork throughout.

 

Dino-Soccer

The Grazers and the Biters take the field in a ferocious game of soccer. Kids have never seen the game played like this before! A fast-paced match that is packed with slick passes, unbelievable saves, and a few red cards along the way. Wildly captivating illustrations will draw readers in and make them feel like they are part of the action.

 

 

Froggy Plays Soccer

Another hilarious Froggy book as our favorite hopper takes his skills to the soccer field. The only problem is that Froggy is a bit more interested in picking flowers and doing cartwheels than kicking a soccer ball. During a big match, Froggy does his best to remember one very important rule- no hands! Can he do it? Kids will be giggling from start to finish and may find they relate to Froggy more than they think.

  

 

 

Winners Never Quit!

Mia Hamm penned this cute picture book based on her personal experience as a world-champion soccer player. This soccer picture book tackles the emotional side of the game, especially when things aren't going your way. The importance of perseverance and sportsmanship are addressed in this motivating story.

 

 

Maisy Plays Soccer

A fun-spirited soccer book for little kids getting ready for their first game. Join Maisy as she puts on her soccer uniform and heads over to the field. The game amongst best friends is full of laughter, fun, and  friendly competition. Perfect read to get preschoolers excited about playing! 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Books about Soccer for Tweens

Here is a collection of amazing soccer chapter books, including fictional novels and non-fiction stories about players and their life experiences on and off the field. Whether or not your reader is a soccer fan, these soccer books for more advanced readers are award-winning, entertaining, page-turners from start to finish. 

 

Lola Levine is Not Mean!

Lola Levine is a chapter book series about a spunky girl who often finds herself in a predicament. In this installment, she takes her fierce soccer skills to the playground and developes a reputation as a meanie. With the help of her family and best friend, she is determined to fix her image and show her classmates once and for all that she's a nice person.

 

 

 

Eek! The Runaway Alien

A unique, humorous book about soccer that will pique your child's imagination! A little boy is surprised one day by the appearance of an alien. This soccer-loving creature escaped from outer space to watch the World Cup Final with Charlie. This strange friendship grabs the attention of a classmate who crafts plans of his own for this mysterious green creature. A fresh, funny, and easy illustrated chapter book for soccer fans.

 

 

 

Magic Tree House: Soccer on Sunday

Join Jack and Annie as they travel back in time to attend the 1970 World Cup. Their mission this time is meet the one and only Pelé, the greatest soccer player of all time. But how in the world will they find him in a crowd of over 10,000 fans? They must accomplish their mission so they can learn the secret to greatness. A fantastic soccer chapter book in this popular series that blends historical fiction and nonfiction.

 

 

 

Chase Your Dreams

Julie Ertz gives a first-hand account of what it takes to make the national team and win the World Cup. Each chapter in this inspiring soccer book covers a character trait she believes is required to succeed on the field and in life.  A faith-based book with positive messaging will surely inspire your players to step up their games.

  

Soccer Shootout

A short, illustrated chapter book about a player who must make some adjustments when he is forced to play a new position. Berk has always played goalie, but he is replaced Ryan, a new with a lot of talent. Can the team come together and keep up their winning streak? An entertaining book that soccer fans will finish in one sitting.

 

She Shoots, She Scores!

Women soccer players from around the world are featured in this inspiring read. Stories about overcoming prejudice to form highly skilled teams that worked hard to win respect. Young independent readers will love learning all about the Women's World Cup and Olympic teams as well as the influential athletes who elevated the sport for female players.

 

 

 

All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys' Soccer Team

A true story of the incredible rescue of a Thai soccer team that got trapped in a cave due to rising flood waters. Over a seventeen day period, the nation watched with bated breath as rescue teams from around the world attempted to rescue the boys and their coach. An award-winning novel, filled with photographs, documents the extraordinary rescue of an ordinary team of soccer players who demonstrated exceptional strength, determination and survival skills.

 

Soccer Hero

When a boy saves the life of his soccer coach, he immediately becomes the town hero. Rob was never a standout on the soccer field and is uncomfortable being in the spotlight. He certainly doesn't feel like a hero when he simply did what anyone in his position would have done. A fast, entertaining read that will encourage readers to think about what it means to do the right thing.

 

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 Children's Soccer Books Teach Valuable Lessons

Soccer may be the prevailing theme in all of these books, but the lessons and values woven throughout the stories are the real takeaway. Kids will enjoy reading about all of the experiences on the soccer field that build character. Learning how to win with humility and lose with grace. Forming friendships that withstand the highs and lows of competition. Understanding the value of hard work and witnessing it pay off. 

 

 

 

Kids' Soccer Books for Beginners

We have also included some great soccer books for kids that are full of the terms and rules of the game. So if your child is new to the game and wants to learn everything they need to know, we've given you some great resources. Reading these soccer picture books is a great way to ease a child's jitters before joining a team for the first time! Check out this list of best-selling  Books about Soccer for all ages!

 

 

Soccer Toys for Kids Who Love the Sport

Looking for the perfect gift for budding soccer fans? Grab a few children's books about soccer and pair them up with a fun toy. Perhaps it's just a plush soccer ball for babies or the real deal for older children. Here are some great ideas for kids of all ages who love soccer!

Plush Soccer Ball

This super soft soccer ball is available in multiple sizes and colors. A well-constructed plush toy that will withstand hours of playtime. It also adds a fun dimension to the decor of a sports-themed bedroom. Makes a great gift along with some soccer board books for a baby shower or first birthday party!

 

 

Hover Soccer Ball

Indoor soccer is so much fun with this motor-powered disc-shaped toy. Comes with a rechargeable battery and LED lights for a special effect. This cool soccer ball glides across floors and bounces off walls and furniture without leaving a mark. A fun, safe way to bring a child's favorite game inside.

 

Hands-Free Solo Soccer Trainer

 For kids who want a little extra practice, this solo trainer is just the thing they need. The adjustable belt is designed to fit children of all sizes. The ball glove holds all soccer balls securely in place. Childrens can practice all the drills they need to get better, like passing, receiving, shooting, are more.

 

Soccer 3D Night Light

Looking for a unique soccer gift? This 3D illusion night light will transform a child's bedroom at night. This awesome battery-powered light can be set to one of seven different colors or gradually transition through blue, green, yellow, red, pink, white and cyan hues.

 

 

Basic Soccer Rules for Beginners

All of these action-packed children's books about soccer are sure to get your kid excited about game day. Here are some facts and tips about the rules of soccer you may want to review for first-time players.

• A soccer game is called a match.
• A match is made of two forty-five minute halves with a fifteen minute break in between.
• Seven players for each side are needed to make up a soccer match.
• The goalkeeper is the only player allowed to handle the ball within the 18 yard box.
• Each soccer match has one referee and two assistant referees. They are responsible for keeping time, determining fouls, penalties, and throw-ins. 
• If the score is tied at the end of the game, two fifteen-minute halves are added.
• The entire ball must cross the goal line in order for it to count.