A soccer dad misunderstands when he hears that his son’s team needs his help. Instead of taking care of halftime snacks, the dad grabs a jersey and runs onto the field to play! And what an embarrassment he is: he hogs the ball, complains about his teammates and throws a hairy fit when the referee doesn’t call a play his way! Can the boy find a way to teach his dad how to be a good sport before he drives the whole team crazy? Maureen Fergus, a Blue Spruce Award winner, has the perfect touch in crafting comic role-reversal stories. The boy gets to prove he knows more than his father ― always a hit ― but the two maintain a close and loving relationship throughout. The simple lines of Mike Lowery’s art reflect the story’s offbeat premise and child’s point of view. With hilarious lessons on being a good sport, following the rules and having patience with others, this picture book could spark conversations about self-awareness and managing relationships. It also works for character education lessons on empathy, compassion and perseverance, and is a terrific resource for coaches of all kinds. K-Gr 2—An unnamed kid in the number four jersey loves playing soccer as much as his dad, in his "Soccer Dad" T-shirt, loves cheering him on. When Coach needs a parent volunteer, Dad is already on the field before he can be told that his help is needed with halftime snacks, not playing. Despite the boy's advice, Dad is soon embarrassing his son by goofing off, not encouraging his teammates, having a hissy fit after being accidentally tripped, and being an all-around poor sport. The boy laments to Coach that his Dad is ruining the game for everyone, but Coach responds with this: "If we're patient and keep showing him what it means to be a team player. I am sure he'll figure it out."And Coach is right; Dad ends up playing a great game. Fergus's first-person text is spot-on and immediately makes readers feel invested in the story's outcome. Lowery's illustrations are spare yet action-packed and display a wide range of emotions. They are a great combination. VERDICT A fun and engaging role-reversal read-aloud about how to be a good sport. Purchase as needed.—Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH A fun and engaging role-reversal read-aloud about how to be a good sport.― School Library Journal ... readers will get a kick out of seeing an exasperated yet patient kid dealing with a clueless parental figure.― Publishers Weekly Turning the tables shines the light on poor sportsmanship. Will Fergus and Lowery next address bad behavior in the bleachers?― Kirkus Reviews ... offers some indirect instruction in proper attitudes.― Booklist Online ... the slight silliness of the dad's behavior will make young children giggle, while at the same time delivering the intended message.― Quebec Library Association ... an easy to read story that has some good lessons for young children.― CM Magazine The role reversal comic tale helps show children what is involved in good sportsman- ship and being a team player in a very amusing manner.― Resource Links Maureen Fergus is an award-winning author of books for children and young adults, including The Day My Mom Came to Kindergarten and the Buddy and Earl series of books. She lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Mike Lowery has illustrated many books for children, including the The Day My Mom Came to Kindergarten and A Squiggly Story. Mike lives in Decatur, Georgia.