'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Thursday 21 October 2010

Review: The Team series

This series of junior fiction for football addicts is written by ex-footballer Bedford – a Brit who played for Appleton FC and Sankey Ranges. A qualified scientist, the author began writing novels and picture books which he now does full time – to much success.

His Team series follows the sporting travails of super-striker Harvey and his soccer-loving friends, plus a rather cool, rather smart robot with a propensity to explode.

Plenty of soccer action and all the cool moves will keep football-addicts totally engaged, as will the simple but well-written plots and kid-friendly, warm use of language.

In Football Rules, spirited player Harry gets a red card. With only one more match to win before going into the top league, Harry risks missing the game unless he goes to Referee School. Can Harry save his team?

In Soccer Superstars, Harry's team is on a winning streak but when several of the team members knock heads, twist ankles and bursts a football, it seems their luck has all run out. Can they get it together again?

In World Cup Heroes, star footballer Cassius has invited Harry's team to the World Cup Heroes tournament but is the tournament really what it appears to be?

Scattered with illustrations by Keith Brumpton, this is yet another wonderful series for younger readers that will attract boys away from the goals and into the pages of a book... if only temporarily...

Title: The Team series
Author: David Bedford
Illustrator: Keith Brumpton
Publisher: Little Hare, A$10.99RRP
For ages: 7 - 10
Type: Junior Fiction



Football Rules - February 2010, ISBN 9781921541278
Soccer Superstars - March 2010, ISBN 9781921541285
World Cup Heroes - June 2010, ISBN 9781921541292