Best Picture Books About Soccer (2026): 5 Compared

For a young soccer fan learning to read, the best picture books about soccer mix goals and teamwork with words a new reader can handle. This list compares five picture books by age, grade, pages and story.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	Soccer Time! by Pierce	9.8/10	Buy on Amazon
2	Curious George Plays Soccer by Rey	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
3	Maisy Plays Soccer by Cousins	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
4	Winners Never Quit! by Hamm	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
5	Little Soccer by Herzog	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon

1

Soccer Time! by Pierce

Terry Pierce·9.8/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A Step 1 rhyming reader building confidence while teaching basic soccer skills, for emergent readers.

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Pros

• Step 1 format, big type, easy words
• Rhyme, rhythm and picture clues aid decoding
• Teaches basic skills and scoring a goal

Cons

• Step 1 level, for beginners only
• 32 pages, a short read
• No extra soccer facts beyond the story

2

Curious George Plays Soccer by Rey

H. A. Rey·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A picture book where Curious George learns rules, dribbling and passing at soccer camp.

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Pros

• Teaches rules, dribbling and passing at soccer camp
• Shows what being a team player means
• A familiar character carries the story

Cons

• 24 pages, shorter than the 32-page picks
• No series position is stated
• Reading age 4 to 7 years only

3

Maisy Plays Soccer by Cousins

Lucy Cousins·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A read-aloud where Maisy and friends play a friendly soccer game in uniform.

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Pros

• A read-aloud game with two teams and a first goal
• Friends stay friends whatever the score
• Maisy dons her uniform and laces her sneakers

Cons

• Published May 13, 2014, an older edition
• No series position is stated
• No soccer skill instruction is stated

4

Winners Never Quit! by Hamm

Mia Hamm·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A picture book about handling a loss without anger and being a good teammate.

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Pros

• Teaches handling a loss without anger or quitting
• Good teamwork, illustrated by Carol Thompson
• A true-life-inspired story from soccer champion Mia Hamm

Cons

• Title says Ages 4-8, listing gives 4 to 7 years, marked as from customers
• Reprint edition from April 25, 2006
• 32 pages, a short read

5

Little Soccer by Herzog

Brad Herzog·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A board book of ten rhyming riddles about nets, cleats and shin guards.

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Pros

• Ten rhyming riddles introduce nets, cleats and shin guards
• A board book format for the youngest readers
• Part of the Little Sports board book series

Cons

• 20 pages, the shortest book here
• Reading age Baby to 6 years only
• Published September 1, 2011, an older edition

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More picks to compare

• The Big Book of SoccerA big illustrated guide to soccer lingo, players, teams and stadiums.Check on Amazon

Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 25 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age or level. All five picks list an age and a grade level. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best picture books about soccer

Match the reading age and grade level to the reader

Reading ages run from Baby to 6 years to 4 to 7 years, and grades run from Preschool to 1 to Preschool to 3. Check both figures, since Winners Never Quit! says Ages 4-8 while its listing gives 4 to 7 years, marked as from customers.

Count the pages before you buy

Page counts run from 20 pages to 32 pages. For other sports shelves, see the picture books about bikes and picture books about dance lists.

Before you buy

• Check the reading age and grade level against the reader.
• Check whether it is a board book, a Step 1 reader or a picture book.
• Check the page count and publication date before ordering.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age are these soccer picture books for?

Reading ages run from Baby to 6 years to 4 to 7 years.

Which soccer picture book suits a new reader?

Soccer Time! is a Step 1 reader with big type and easy words for emergent readers.

Do any of these books teach soccer skills?

Soccer Time! teaches basic skills and scoring a goal, and Curious George teaches rules, dribbling and passing at camp.

Still deciding? Our top pickSoccer Time! by Pierce

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