The Field

Now in paperback! Soccer fan or not, the call of The Field is irresistible.
A Junior Library Guild Selection
Winner of the Sonia Lynn Sadler Award
“Irresistible fun.”— Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
“A wonderful depiction of a joyful pastime . . . and a reminder of some of the ways we are more alike than different.”—Booklist, Starred Review
Kirkus Reviews Best Picture Book of 2018
School Library Journal Best Book of 2018
The Horn Book Fanfare 2018
Shelf Awareness Best Children’s Book of the Year
Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year
“Vini! Come! The field calls!” cries a girl as she and her younger brother rouse their community—family, friends, and the local fruit vendor—for a pick-up soccer (futbol) game. Boys and girls, young and old, players and spectators come running—bringing balls, shoes, goals, and a love of the sport.
“Friends versus friends” teams are formed, the field is cleared of cows, and the game begins! But will a tropical rainstorm threaten their plans?
The world’s most popular and inclusive sport has found its spirited and authentic voice in Baptiste Paul’s debut picture book— highlighting the joys of the game along with its universal themes: teamwork, leadership, diversity, and acceptance. Creole words (as spoken in Saint Lucia, the author’s birthplace island in the Caribbean) add spice to the story and are a strong reminder of the sport’s world fame. Bright and brilliant illustrations by debut children’s book illustrator Jacqueline Alcántara— winner of the We Need Diverse Books Illustration Mentorship award— capture the grit and glory of the game and the beauty of the island setting that inspired this particular field.

Baptiste Paul is the author of several books for children. Born and raised on the Caribbean Island of Saint Lucia, Baptiste is a native Creole/Patois speaker and enjoys reading his books and sharing about his experiences with anyone who would listen. Baptiste holds Degrees in Environmental Studies and Political Science from Bucknell University. When he’s not writing or hiking, he up-cycles wood pallets into planters and wooden floors to name a few. He lives in Wisconsin with his family.