I Kick the Ball/Pateo el balón

Gr 2—5—Toñito likes to spend his time kicking around a soccer ball. He likes to kick it fast and far and lets his imagination go along for the ride. He envisions himself playing in a stadium in a red jersey with his name on the back. The crowds cheer as he scores a goal, but the sound of his mother's call brings him back to reality. Even at night, he dreams of playing soccer and jumping so high that he takes off like a rocket. When he wakes up, he knows that he can look forward to playing soccer, after homework and chores. This story will inspire children and remind them that, with determination and perseverance, dreams can and do come true. Toñito's passion for the sport is infectious and can be easily applied to other interests. The Spanish translation is true to the English version and slightly more poetic. The colorful illustrations depict Toñito's dreams with the fancy of any young boy.—Roberto Zapata, San Antonio Public Library, TX