FICTION

Betty Bunny Wants a Goal

by Michael KAPLAN
illus. by Stéphane Jorisch. 32p. Dial. 2014. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780803738591. LC 2012014416.
COPY ISBN
K-Gr 2—Betty Bunny is a handful to all when she suddenly takes a liking to soccer. She wants to become the star of her team and is positive that she can score 10 goals at her first game. When she predictably fails to meet her own unrealistic expectations, she becomes sad and sulks in the grass for the rest of the game. Betty announces that she is quitting and almost throws away all of her soccer equipment. Her siblings try to reason with her and encourage her, giving her a pep talk about not giving up. At Betty's next game, she still does not score a goal and is upset again. Her older brother Bill tells her, "Maybe you're just not that good." Her father patiently explains the importance of practice and enlists the snarky Bill to work with her. Illustrations are detailed in pencil, ink, watercolor, and gouache. Fans of the series will enjoy this newest addition. —Krista Welz, North Bergen High School, NJ
Betty Bunny is back in her fourth gentle lesson-based book. This time, when she takes up soccer, she expects to score ten goals just like that. Playing in a real game, however, is quite different. Her siblings, portrayed realistically and comically, urge her to keep practicing. Lively illustrations add to the humor of Betty's reasoning and her can-do determination.
Entertaining family dynamics play a big role in Betty Bunny’s latest adventure. Her three siblings’ comments about her struggles on the soccer field—which range from encouragement to sarcasm and boredom—lead to some amusing discussions. It’s hard not to crack a smile at Betty Bunny’s antics, even when she’s being “a handful,” such as declaring soccer “yucky” after one unsuccessful game. Betty Bunny’s situation is relatable to anyone who has been tempted to give up on a tough activity or who has needed to put in extra practice to improve his or her performance. Energetic illustrations show humorously exaggerated movement and emotion. In one picture, for instance, Betty Bunny’s legs are kicked wildly in the air and her expression is dazed as a soccer ball accidentally bounces off her forehead.

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