Big Kicks

by Bob Kolar

Biggie Bear lives in a quiet corner of a busy little town. He collects stamps, plays jazz, and enjoys being by himself. One day, the town soccer team knocks on his door, and they need BIG help. Biggie’s never played soccer before, and once they are out on the field, Biggie realizes that maybe there is more to soccer than just being big. Bob Kolar’s droll, vibrantly illustrated tale about a lovable (but rather clumsy) bear and his endearing (but rather unlucky) team is sure to win some BIG fans.

Genres: Picture Books, Sports, Childrens, Soccer, Animals, Storytime, Friendship

40 pages, Hardcover

First published August 12, 2008

About the author

Bob Kolar is the author-illustrator of several books, including DO YOU WANT TO PLAY? and RACER DOGS. He also illustrated ALPHAOOPS! THE DAY Z WENT FIRSTby Alethea Kontis. Bob Kolar lives in Kansas City, Missouri.

Reviews

[Savannah Kerr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute story by Bob Kolar about Biggie a bear who sits at home most of the time, until one day a group of other animals a turtle, rabbit, chicken, duck, and skunk, ask him to fill in for a soccer game because one of the players has gotten sick. Although Biggie is not a soccer player he agrees to go have fun with his new friends. When he is on the field he is tripping and not getting to the ball fast enough, but when he finds an unused postage stamp he scores the winning goal by putting a header into the net. Biggie is not concerned about the game as he has found a great new stamp for his collection. Back at home he shows his friends his collection and throws a party for the winning team. This would be a great book to add to the classroom for beginning readers as the text is simple, and the illustrations are used in a way to add to the story of Biggie.

[Cassie Veselovsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book and couldn't wait to log onto goodreads so that I could post my review. I loved it! Imagine my dismay when I saw that the book's average rating was only 2.82. What was I missing?!? So, I read the book again. And again. I decided that I wasn't missing anything - I was getting it.

This IS an adorable story about a Biggie Bear filling in for Dog on the soccer team, and even though he's really bad at sports, he accidently helped the team to win. They all celebrate together eating peanut butter and banana sandwiches and listening to jazz.

You know, that's the only part of the book that bothered me; it's the second picture book this month I have read in which the characters eat PB&B sandwiches. Are they the new thing?! I might have to try one...

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute book that my children picked out from the library. The illustrations are bright and cheerful and the story is cute.

I love that there are so many different things we can talk about after reading the book - the animals in the story, teamwork, the rules of soccer, jazz, etc.

I will gladly borrow this book again from the library.

[BiblioBeruthiel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the message here: body type does not define interests or skills.

[Sarah Green-Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is funny and friendly and earns extra points because the main character loves peanut butter and banana sandwiches! #friendsforlife

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute and sweet book about friendship.

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book and couldn't wait to log onto goodreads so that I could post my review. I loved it! Imagine my dismay when I saw that the book's average rating was only 2.82. What was I missing?!? So, I read the book again. And again. I decided that I wasn't missing anything - I was getting it.

This IS an adorable story about a Biggie Bear filling in for Dog on the soccer team, and even though he's really bad at sports, he accidently helped the team to win. They all celebrate together eating peanut butter and banana sandwiches and listening to jazz.

You know, that's the only part of the book that bothered me; it's the second picture book this month I have read in which the characters eat PB&B sandwiches. Are they the new thing?! I might have to try one...

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

FANTASTIC! There aren't that many entertaining picturebooks about sports for little ones, but this one is great. The only complaint I have with it is the line,"Well, I do look good in red," accompanied by the illustrations that clearly show the color orange. I don't know who was responsible for the error, the illustrator or the printer; but that's a big no-no for picturebooks.

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very large, but young bear enjoys his quiet life of stamp collecting and jazz and peanut-butter and banana sandwiches. When the soccer team shows up one day wanting him to join their team because Dog has come down with fleas, Biggie isn't sure. He's never played soccer before. And it definitely isn't easy. But with the help of a rare stamp, Biggies is able to win the game.

[The Library Lady · Rating 3 out of 5]

The art looks like the Czech made "Mole" movies I often show at the library, but kids should like that. The soccer theme and the "everyone can be good at something" bit will make this popular.
It doesn't rock my world, but it's a nice ordinary book.

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Colorful and cute!

[Tina B · Rating 3 out of 5]

"soccer, different interests"

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

We discovered that today's kids have no idea what a stamp collection is!

[Bradley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good morals.. too bad King Cranky cannot enjoy not watching TV. Good grief. =)

[Chloecat]

Really cute and funny!

[Tricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Biggie Bear is fine on his own...but he is asked to be part of a soccer team because he is BIG. He's not very good...but he saves the day and gains some friends.

[Sari · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 4-year old loves this book!

[Kyla · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book would be good when teaching about sports coming up and seasons. You could also use it when explaining to kids about how size doesn't matter.

[Library Quine · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book has a nice premise; big isn't necessarily best. A tale about a football/soccer game and an accidental win.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book about a bear who fills in to help out a soccer team. The rest of the team thinks that he will be good at soccer because he is big. It's a cute friendship book.

[Lana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This adorable children's book is ridiculously cute and silly. I love that Biggie collects stamps and is just happy being himself. Definitely one I will be purchasing a copy of for my son.

[Tracy Schillemore · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bear accidentally helps win the soccer gme.