Soccer Kicks: Over 60 Laugh-Out-Loud Comic Strip Soccer Jokes!

Gr 2-5–Migliardo offers a hilarious compilation of over 60 one-page, mostly wordless comic strips dedicated to the beautiful game. Rather than a traditional narrative, this book provides a series of silly yet ­clever gags and pranks that capture both the pure joy and the intense frustration of the sport. The content ­covers a wide range of mischievous tactics, from doing whatever it takes to score to the more specific ways a player can get humiliated. The humor is highly specialized, relying on visual ­slapstick that mirrors an obvious influence from The Pink Panther and The Simpsons. This makes the content uniquely accessible to avid fans and ­reluctant ­readers who prefer high-interest ­visual ­storytelling over dense text combined with the sport. The information is ­presented through absurd scenarios ­designed for a niche audience, including prehistoric ­dino-interceptions, lunar matches, and even a zombie attack on the pitch. ­Migliardo’s illustrations are ­essential to the book’s ­success, characterized as neat, ­well-defined, and vibrant. The full-color artwork masterfully conveys ­action and ­emotion without dialogue, ­using expressive cartoon faces to communicate the high stakes of a golden miss or injury time. The panels are expertly broken down to ensure that ­readers see and feel the slapstick timing of ­every “POOF” and “THWACK.” ­