From the Publisher
Sergio's a soccer star... in his dreams. He can't even kick the ball! So Sergio decides to try playing another position—goalie! He isn't so good at first, but with hard work and practice, he's ready for the game against the big, bad Seagulls. Will Sergio become a true star?
This adorable "everypenguin" (Kirkus) returns with a story about determination and finding your true talents, leading to a triumphant and hilarious outcome.
Publishers Weekly
The sporty penguin of Sergio Makes a Splash is obsessed with soccer, but he's only "a true star" in his dreams. In real life, he "trips, falls, crashes, slips, slides, flips, sets, shoots ... and scores! For the other team." But Sergio is determined to play and jumps at the chance to "try being the goalie!" The bold, graphic four-color spreads evoke vintage sports posters, and Sergio finally gets to shine during the championship game against a team of overconfident seagulls. Sergio and this smart sequel both deliver. Ages 3-6. (May)
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Children's Literature
Sergio loves soccer. He even dreams about being a soccer star. Since he is a penguin, his dream seems a bit illogical. (Kids may remember Sergio as the black-and-white hero of Sergio Makes a Splash!, Rodriguez's tale of a little penguin afraid to swim in the ocean.) This time, Sergio is not afraid; he is just terribly clumsy. (One deftly designed spread shows him falling, crashing, slipping, sliding, and flipping, his curved body progressing through a series of mishaps, his red-orange scarf flying.) When his mom suggests he should try being a goalie, Sergio practices like mad. Finally, he gets his chance as goalkeeper in the championship game against the fearsome Seagulls. Can Sergio succeed? Can the feisty Penguins really win? Rodriguez—author, illustrator, designer—makes maximum, stunning use of black-and-white shapes, aqua backgrounds and wicked seagull eyes. He uses supersaturated paprika and mustard effects (printed from woodblocks in Pantone inks) for the penguins' uniforms and details like Mom's orange necklace (and, of course, the golden soccer balls). The simple but exciting text is carried along by bold, action-filled graphics to an amusing but triumphal conclusion that is sure to be cheered by young soccer fans and penguin-lovers. As Sergio's delighted penguin fans exclaim, "Wow! Cool! Awesome!" Reviewer: Barbara L. Talcroft
School Library Journal
PreS-K–Sergio has big dreams of being a star soccer player. In reality, though, the young penguin often stumbles and falls running after the ball and does not attain the success he yearns to have. Then his mother suggests that he try playing goalie. The game against the big, bruisin’ Seagulls becomes his test of talent. Beginning soccer players will relate to Sergio’s frustrations and admire his resolve. Rodriguez uses an attractive, yet simple palette of aqua, golden yellow, rust red, and penguin black, and the colors stand out sharply against the white background. Action is created with varying perspectives on the ball flying at the lone goalie. Pair this title with Brigitte Weninger’s Davy, Soccer Star! (NorthSouth, 2008). Fans of Sergio Makes a Splash! (Little, Brown, 2008) will relish it.–Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA
Kirkus Reviews
Enthusiastic but clumsy-"It's not you, it's all this ice!" says his mother, but the other penguins don't seem to have a problem-Sergio finds himself playing goal in a last-ditch attempt to keep himself in the game. Marred by awkward writing-"The entire team celebrates and cheers with joy!"-and a hard-to-track spread of game action, everypenguin Sergio's second outing doesn't measure up to his first, Sergio Makes a Splash! (2008). Still, there's something engaging in watching the klutzy bird grow from a soccer legend-in his own mind-to a true winning goalie through hard work. Clobbered over and over by the ball in the pale-orange-and-turquoise woodblock illustrations, Sergio will draw plenty of sympathy as he goes from always being the last penguin picked for a team ("I'll take the fish," says the captain) to guarding the goal for the climactic game against the hulking Seagulls. Victory is sweet, especially when it's earned. (Picture book. 6-8)
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