Pele, King of Soccer/Pele, El Rey del Futbol - by Monica Brown

Book Synopsis

This acclaimed bilingual children's book, Spanish/English, is a fun way to introduce simple words and phrases in both languages and is sure to be a welcome resource at home and in schools and libraries.

Monica Brown and Rudy Gutierrez team up to deliver what Kirkus called, in a starred review, an "inspiring blend of art and story," about the most famous soccer star in the world, Pelé.

This bilingual picture book will inspire, teach, and amaze readers as they learn about the man who revolutionized the sport of soccer.

Do you know how a poor boy from Brazil who loved fútbol more than anything else became the biggest soccer star the world has ever known? This is the true story of Pelé, King of Soccer, the first man in the history of the sport to score a thousand goals and become a living legend.

Rudy Gutierrez's dynamic illustrations make award-winning author Monica Brown's story of this remarkable sports hero come alive!

From the Back Cover

Do you know how a poor boy from Brazil who loved fútbol more than anything else became the biggest soccer star the world has ever known? Turn the pages of this book to read the true life story of Pelé, King of Soccer, the first man in the history of the sport to score a thousand goals and become a living legend. Rudy Gutiérrez's dynamic illustrations make award-winning author Monica Brown's story of this remarkable sports hero truly come alive!

¿Sabes cómo un niño brasileño pobre que amaba el fútbol más que nada en el mundo se convirtió en la estrella más importante del deporte? Lee este relato y entérate de la historia de Pelé, El rey del fútbol; el primer hombre en la historia del deporte capaz de marcar mil goles y convertirse en una leyenda viva. Las dinámicas ilustraciones de Rudy Gutiérrez destacan vívidamente los momentos recreados por la escritora premiada Mónica Brown en este extraordinario libro.

Review Quotes

"Told in a dual English/Spanish text, this inspiring blend of art and story scores a winning goal." -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"Pulsing prose that is a pleasure for the adult on readaloud duty to deliver. Gutiérrez matches aural with visual delight in mixed-media double page spreads that sizzle with energy." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Gutiérrez's illustrations give the book an exciting burst of energy. The pages convey the vigor and panache of World Cup Soccer. Text and pictures collaborate seamlessly." -- School Library Journal

"With great skill, Brown tells the story of the poor boy from Brazil who loved fútbol more than anything else and became the biggest soccer star the world has ever known." -- NBCLatino.com

"Gutierrez['s] high-energy, full-bleed illustrations...kick up...this tribute to Pele, still soccer's O Rei (The King)." -- ALA Booklist

"Any kid who loves soccer should know the legend of Pelé. A Brazilian boy who practiced soccer barefoot because he couldn't afford shoes grew up to be one of the greatest soccer players on earth, leading his team to the World Cup finals. Bonus, it's bilingual." -- Brightly