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World Cup Mouse
"Where there's a mouse, there's a way," says Louie LaSurie. But it will take more than lofty words for Louie to achieve his to be the first mouse to play for France in the World Cup soccer tournament. Can Louie do it? Find out in this fun book for 7-to-10-year-olds.
Audible Audio
First published May 8, 2014
34 people are currently reading
210 people want to read
About the author
Richard Seidman
10 books1 followerRichard Seidman loves to make jokes and, as he puts it, “funny business.” He says that’s one of the main reasons he enjoys writing – to amuse himself and children (and also the big children that are called “grown-ups”).
For Richard, funny business is a way to love life, and it’s also a way to transform sorrows. His ancestors, their hearts full of stories and hopes, fled to the U.S. from Poland and Ukraine in the early part of the twentieth century. Forty years later, Richard was born in Brooklyn, New York.
When he was growing up, playing games and sports and reading were the main things he enjoyed, and they’re still the main things he enjoys today!
Richard wound up in Portland, Oregon where in 1989 he founded the nonprofit tree-planting group, Friends of Trees. In 1996, he was honored as a “Community Hero” for his role as the group’s founder and carried the Olympic torch in its national relay.
In 2001, St. Martin’s Press published his nonfiction book for adults, The Oracle of Kabbalah: Mystical Teachings of the Hebrew Letters. Richard will be releasing a revised edition, The New Oracle of Kabbalah, in fall of 2014.
He’s a member of SCBWI, the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and a founding member of a local children’s book writing critique group. He’s also the editor and compiler of a nonfiction children’s book published by Benchmark Education, I Am Deaf and I Dance: A Memoir.
In the fall of 2013, after training in the martial arts for eighteen years, Richard earned a black belt in Shotokan Karate.
He now lives in Ashland, Oregon with his wife, Rachael. For more information about Richard and his books for children, visit www.richardseidman.com.
For Richard, funny business is a way to love life, and it’s also a way to transform sorrows. His ancestors, their hearts full of stories and hopes, fled to the U.S. from Poland and Ukraine in the early part of the twentieth century. Forty years later, Richard was born in Brooklyn, New York.
When he was growing up, playing games and sports and reading were the main things he enjoyed, and they’re still the main things he enjoys today!
Richard wound up in Portland, Oregon where in 1989 he founded the nonprofit tree-planting group, Friends of Trees. In 1996, he was honored as a “Community Hero” for his role as the group’s founder and carried the Olympic torch in its national relay.
In 2001, St. Martin’s Press published his nonfiction book for adults, The Oracle of Kabbalah: Mystical Teachings of the Hebrew Letters. Richard will be releasing a revised edition, The New Oracle of Kabbalah, in fall of 2014.
He’s a member of SCBWI, the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and a founding member of a local children’s book writing critique group. He’s also the editor and compiler of a nonfiction children’s book published by Benchmark Education, I Am Deaf and I Dance: A Memoir.
In the fall of 2013, after training in the martial arts for eighteen years, Richard earned a black belt in Shotokan Karate.
He now lives in Ashland, Oregon with his wife, Rachael. For more information about Richard and his books for children, visit www.richardseidman.com.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 30, 2014
I’ve always been partial to stories where the author takes the real world and adds just enough of a fantasy twist to make it fun and different. Think Who Framed Roger Rabbit? In World Cup Mouse, the world remains much as we know it, except for the fact that mice are intelligent and can talk. Not only that, but the people in this world find this perfectly normal (although a few of them would rather flush a mouse down the toilet than talk with them). So when Louie expresses his desire to play for the French soccer team, no one is surprised he can talk. They just think he’s crazy.
I found the idea of a mouse playing soccer both delightful and intriguing, since I wondered how a mouse could play soccer with a ball large enough to flatten him. Fortunately, the author does a good job of making it all seem believable. He also describes the action during the soccer games in such a way that a reader doesn’t have to know much about soccer to understand what’s going on.
The pacing was good. The story moved along quickly with never a dull moment. Louie has plenty of adventures, along with a few harrowing escapes, as he struggles to join the French soccer team.
I liked how the humans treated Louie with respect, even when they didn’t believe he was big enough to play with them. I was also inspired by Louie’s fortitude. He always tried his best and never gave up, even in the darkest moments.
The book contains a fair number of illustrations (drawn by Ursula Andrejczuk), but they were mostly unfinished in the ARC I received, so I cannot comment on them other than to say they appeared to fit nicely with the story.
My only problem with World Cup Mouse was that most of the hurdles Louie faced were solved a bit too easily and too quickly. Not necessarily a concern for the intended age group (7-10), but it might put off some older kids and adults who enjoy having the tension ratchet up a bit as the story progresses. But that’s a minor quibble. World Cup Mouse was a quick and entertaining read and I suspect most children would love this book.
Unless they hate soccer. Or mice.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
I found the idea of a mouse playing soccer both delightful and intriguing, since I wondered how a mouse could play soccer with a ball large enough to flatten him. Fortunately, the author does a good job of making it all seem believable. He also describes the action during the soccer games in such a way that a reader doesn’t have to know much about soccer to understand what’s going on.
The pacing was good. The story moved along quickly with never a dull moment. Louie has plenty of adventures, along with a few harrowing escapes, as he struggles to join the French soccer team.
I liked how the humans treated Louie with respect, even when they didn’t believe he was big enough to play with them. I was also inspired by Louie’s fortitude. He always tried his best and never gave up, even in the darkest moments.
The book contains a fair number of illustrations (drawn by Ursula Andrejczuk), but they were mostly unfinished in the ARC I received, so I cannot comment on them other than to say they appeared to fit nicely with the story.
My only problem with World Cup Mouse was that most of the hurdles Louie faced were solved a bit too easily and too quickly. Not necessarily a concern for the intended age group (7-10), but it might put off some older kids and adults who enjoy having the tension ratchet up a bit as the story progresses. But that’s a minor quibble. World Cup Mouse was a quick and entertaining read and I suspect most children would love this book.
Unless they hate soccer. Or mice.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
May 27, 2014
Title: World Cup Mouse
Author: Richard Seidman
Illustrator: Ursula Andrehczuk
Publisher: Caralyst Group LLC/JKSCommunications
Published: 5-20-2014
ISBN: 9780989855303
E-Book: B00K7SKGEK
Pages: 150
Genre: Children's Fiction
Tags: Sports, Soccer, Friendship
Overall Rating: Excellent
Reviewed For: NetGalley
Reviewer: DelAnne
You have a dream and put all your efforts into making them come true, but everyone seems to keep telling you that it is a pipe dream and to give up and be more realistic. Such is what Louie is having to contend with. One day he sneaks into the Baker's home and he finds his future. From that day forward he decided to train and learn everything he could about the sport of of his heart, Soccer. His dream is to become the first mouse to play soccer in the world series. With little encouragement he continues to do all he can to prepare to achieve his dream. When he begins to listen to all the warnings against him a stranger steps out of the shadows to remind him he needs to believe in himself and not to give up on his dreams, something the stranger did and has regretted ever since. Louie is focused and determined once more.
Such a wonderful story to teach the reader if you want something bad enough you have to be willing to put all your efforts into obtaining your goal. Although his family laughs at Louie they still help him in some ways even as they tell him he needs to understand that he is dreaming the impossible dream. What they forget is those are the best kind to have. Louie believes in himself and that is what we want to teach our children. World Cup Mouse is the perfect book for that reluctant reader. Once they begin the story itself will keep them from putting it down. It will appeal to both male and female readers. Pick up a copy today!
Author: Richard Seidman
Illustrator: Ursula Andrehczuk
Publisher: Caralyst Group LLC/JKSCommunications
Published: 5-20-2014
ISBN: 9780989855303
E-Book: B00K7SKGEK
Pages: 150
Genre: Children's Fiction
Tags: Sports, Soccer, Friendship
Overall Rating: Excellent
Reviewed For: NetGalley
Reviewer: DelAnne
You have a dream and put all your efforts into making them come true, but everyone seems to keep telling you that it is a pipe dream and to give up and be more realistic. Such is what Louie is having to contend with. One day he sneaks into the Baker's home and he finds his future. From that day forward he decided to train and learn everything he could about the sport of of his heart, Soccer. His dream is to become the first mouse to play soccer in the world series. With little encouragement he continues to do all he can to prepare to achieve his dream. When he begins to listen to all the warnings against him a stranger steps out of the shadows to remind him he needs to believe in himself and not to give up on his dreams, something the stranger did and has regretted ever since. Louie is focused and determined once more.
Such a wonderful story to teach the reader if you want something bad enough you have to be willing to put all your efforts into obtaining your goal. Although his family laughs at Louie they still help him in some ways even as they tell him he needs to understand that he is dreaming the impossible dream. What they forget is those are the best kind to have. Louie believes in himself and that is what we want to teach our children. World Cup Mouse is the perfect book for that reluctant reader. Once they begin the story itself will keep them from putting it down. It will appeal to both male and female readers. Pick up a copy today!
May 21, 2014
World Cup Mouse by Richard Seidman
Description from the publisher:
"Where there's a mouse, there's a way," says Louie LaSurie. But it will take more than lofty words for Louie to achieve his goal: to be the first mouse to play for France in the World Cup soccer tournament. Can Louie do it? Find out in this fun book for 7 to 10 year-olds."
This book was full of great lessons for children, including going after your goals and never giving up. This adorable mouse faced all the odds and chased his dream even when everyone told him to give up. He showed that anyone can do anything they want and that was a great lesson for my son.
I also enjoyed the French words throughout the book as well as the French names. I thought that was a fun addition to the learning experience.
This book was too hard for my son (who is almost 7 but reading at a 4th grade level) to read by himself so it was our bedtime book and I was able to read him a chapter every night before bed. I do believe it should be geared for children who are at least 10 years old but like I said, it was a great book for me to read to him.
Review from my six year old son-"This book is so cool cuz I really like soccer and this mouse played soccer in the World Cup!!!!!"
***This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an open and honest review***
Description from the publisher:
"Where there's a mouse, there's a way," says Louie LaSurie. But it will take more than lofty words for Louie to achieve his goal: to be the first mouse to play for France in the World Cup soccer tournament. Can Louie do it? Find out in this fun book for 7 to 10 year-olds."
This book was full of great lessons for children, including going after your goals and never giving up. This adorable mouse faced all the odds and chased his dream even when everyone told him to give up. He showed that anyone can do anything they want and that was a great lesson for my son.
I also enjoyed the French words throughout the book as well as the French names. I thought that was a fun addition to the learning experience.
This book was too hard for my son (who is almost 7 but reading at a 4th grade level) to read by himself so it was our bedtime book and I was able to read him a chapter every night before bed. I do believe it should be geared for children who are at least 10 years old but like I said, it was a great book for me to read to him.
Review from my six year old son-"This book is so cool cuz I really like soccer and this mouse played soccer in the World Cup!!!!!"
***This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an open and honest review***
April 24, 2014
Louie has a passion for soccer. But he has some major obstacles that could potentially keep him from becoming part of the team. First he's a mouse. Second he has been practicing with a dried pea. Third he wants to join a team of humans who use a real soccer ball. But life brings unexpected changes for the little French mouse as he learns that he can accomplish anything with enough hard word and determination.
The story was precious. My son loved it and the vocabulary was perfect for the target age. The story has drama, adventure, and sports. All things that will interest a young boy and delight even the reluctant reader. But it also has the themes of friendship, sportsmanship, and perseverance woven into the plot. I look forward to seeing more by this author and I know my son will enjoy reading more about Louie.
I received this book free of charge from JKS Communications in exchange for my honest review.
The story was precious. My son loved it and the vocabulary was perfect for the target age. The story has drama, adventure, and sports. All things that will interest a young boy and delight even the reluctant reader. But it also has the themes of friendship, sportsmanship, and perseverance woven into the plot. I look forward to seeing more by this author and I know my son will enjoy reading more about Louie.
I received this book free of charge from JKS Communications in exchange for my honest review.
July 2, 2014
This book should be made into a movie. It reminded me of Stuart Little. What I liked most was that the mouse, Louie, wanted to play in the World Cup. However he is not used playing with an actual soccer ball. What he has is determination, and bad luck. First players are out due to illness, and then he has to deal with a human foot. I love stories for children that root for the underdog and teach children that people are different, but when working together anything can be achieved. I am giving this book a 5/5. I was given a copy to review, however all opinions are my own.
June 23, 2014
What a fun read for young soccer players and for anyone interested in a good adventure story! It hooked me from the first page and I was sorry the adventure was over when I reached the last word. My sons would have loved this book when they were young.
Louie is a little mouse with a big dream and the two resounding lessons portrayed skillfully in this book are to follow your dreams no matter what other people say and "Where there's a mouse, there's a way!"
Louie is a little mouse with a big dream and the two resounding lessons portrayed skillfully in this book are to follow your dreams no matter what other people say and "Where there's a mouse, there's a way!"
May 27, 2014
This was a well-written, cute and easy-to-read story. I recommend it.
October 13, 2020
Imaginative and Engaging!
My sister started a tradition of reading to my toddler son at bedtime on her nights off of work. I noticed how it calmed him and that it actually helped to fall asleep more soundly. Because her is only 3, I began a search for books that would be less violent and suspenseful as the Harry Potter series that we initially started out with. My little one had read a shorter storybook with me about a mouse that went on a journey to the seaside, and that peaked his interest in another mouse story! I only knew of Stuart Little and The mouse and the Motorcycle of the top of my head. So I did a search in kindle unlimited under those titles. Neither of the aforementioned titles were on K.I. but I noticed this book and thought it looked like it might be a fun read! This story did not disappoint! I appreciated how real many of the characters and descriptions of places felt, as well as the French language fused into the story that kept my attention. My son loved the simplicity of the main characters name, and the very descriptive yet simple to understand wording. I was pleasantly surprised by this image give and engaging story! I can imagine the audio files being very easy to follow along with, and other children of varying ages enjoying this Tale/ or Tail- if you are into Cheesy(haha!) Puns.
My sister started a tradition of reading to my toddler son at bedtime on her nights off of work. I noticed how it calmed him and that it actually helped to fall asleep more soundly. Because her is only 3, I began a search for books that would be less violent and suspenseful as the Harry Potter series that we initially started out with. My little one had read a shorter storybook with me about a mouse that went on a journey to the seaside, and that peaked his interest in another mouse story! I only knew of Stuart Little and The mouse and the Motorcycle of the top of my head. So I did a search in kindle unlimited under those titles. Neither of the aforementioned titles were on K.I. but I noticed this book and thought it looked like it might be a fun read! This story did not disappoint! I appreciated how real many of the characters and descriptions of places felt, as well as the French language fused into the story that kept my attention. My son loved the simplicity of the main characters name, and the very descriptive yet simple to understand wording. I was pleasantly surprised by this image give and engaging story! I can imagine the audio files being very easy to follow along with, and other children of varying ages enjoying this Tale/ or Tail- if you are into Cheesy(haha!) Puns.
August 24, 2015
Originally posted at Escape Through the Pages with the same rating.
WORLD CUP MOUSE by Richard Seidman is an adorable book about a French mouse who wishes nothing more than to play for the French soccer team and go to the World Cup.
This book is perfect for younger children, especially those with an interest in soccer, or sports. Louie is a determined, likeable, short-tempered (but working on it), and enthusiastic little mouse. Living in a world where animals can speak to humans, but are still treated as lesser, Louie has a lot to overcome in order to make his dream of playing soccer come true. But he has a wonderful best friend in Francois who encourages Louie at every turn and pushes him when he would give up. Although primarily about Louie and his journey to play soccer for the French national team, WORLD CUP MOUSE has so many wonderful messages about friendship, perseverance, passion and acceptance within it.
Readers will enjoy cheering on Louie as he goes about realizing his dream of becoming part of the French national team, and growing with him as he learns about such things as anger management, friendship (and the jealousy that can sometimes occur), good attitudes, coaching and playing soccer, and tolerance. WORLD CUP MOUSE by Richard Seidman uses easy to understand (but not overly simple) language and introduces the reader to some very basic French words and phrases as well. I can definitely see this book being a great one to have in a classroom or home!
WORLD CUP MOUSE by Richard Seidman is an adorable book about a French mouse who wishes nothing more than to play for the French soccer team and go to the World Cup.
This book is perfect for younger children, especially those with an interest in soccer, or sports. Louie is a determined, likeable, short-tempered (but working on it), and enthusiastic little mouse. Living in a world where animals can speak to humans, but are still treated as lesser, Louie has a lot to overcome in order to make his dream of playing soccer come true. But he has a wonderful best friend in Francois who encourages Louie at every turn and pushes him when he would give up. Although primarily about Louie and his journey to play soccer for the French national team, WORLD CUP MOUSE has so many wonderful messages about friendship, perseverance, passion and acceptance within it.
Readers will enjoy cheering on Louie as he goes about realizing his dream of becoming part of the French national team, and growing with him as he learns about such things as anger management, friendship (and the jealousy that can sometimes occur), good attitudes, coaching and playing soccer, and tolerance. WORLD CUP MOUSE by Richard Seidman uses easy to understand (but not overly simple) language and introduces the reader to some very basic French words and phrases as well. I can definitely see this book being a great one to have in a classroom or home!
June 1, 2014
Hott Synopsis:
He may only be two and a half inches tall but Louie has big dreams. He wants to succeed where so many fail – the World Cup!
Using a pea as a ball and making a uniform were small problems but the jeers and teasing from his family and his friends may be more than one mouse can take.
Can Louie be the mouse he’s meant to be or will he allow them to kill his dream?
Hott Review:
This is a very well written delightful book that it perfect for middle grade boys. It’s not too long and has cute pictures – both are perfect encouragements for reluctant readers.
The message – working for your dream & believing in yourself – is a great one that all middle graders need to have consistently while going through this trial of growing up.
More…
Author: Richard Seidman, Author
Source: JKS Communications
Grade: A
Ages: 7-14
He may only be two and a half inches tall but Louie has big dreams. He wants to succeed where so many fail – the World Cup!
Using a pea as a ball and making a uniform were small problems but the jeers and teasing from his family and his friends may be more than one mouse can take.
Can Louie be the mouse he’s meant to be or will he allow them to kill his dream?
Hott Review:
This is a very well written delightful book that it perfect for middle grade boys. It’s not too long and has cute pictures – both are perfect encouragements for reluctant readers.
The message – working for your dream & believing in yourself – is a great one that all middle graders need to have consistently while going through this trial of growing up.
More…
Author: Richard Seidman, Author
Source: JKS Communications
Grade: A
Ages: 7-14
August 30, 2014
I received a free e-galley via NetGalley as well as a free print copy from the publisher/author.
This mouse may be small in size, but he is large in heart and determination. While the story is rather ridiculous and far-fetched, it is fun to read. I know several young boys who love soccer so much, they would appreciate the spirit of this book.
This mouse may be small in size, but he is large in heart and determination. While the story is rather ridiculous and far-fetched, it is fun to read. I know several young boys who love soccer so much, they would appreciate the spirit of this book.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews