Title: Let’s Play Football!

Written by: Ben Lerwill

Illustrated by: Marina Ruiz

Published by: Welbeck Publishing

One of the side effects of the pandemic has been people have become more isolated and many still prefer to work from home than to travel. I am beginning to see an increase in children’s books with a theme of how the human race are very social beings. Let’s Play Football! by Ben Lerwill and Marina Ruiz is one of these books.

A real celebration of football, this creative non-fiction picture book highlights the importance of football throughout the world as a means of bringing people together. Through his clear and tightly written text, Ben Lerwill, focuses on how football is a social activity everyone can enjoy no matter your age, gender, race of physical ability. The emphasise is on how accessible and enjoyable the game is and not on the rules, the big named football stars, football teams or competitive clubs.

Marian Ruiz’s soft pastel illustrations provide a sense of pleasure and movement. They successfully show how football is a diverse and  inclusive game for everyone. The overall message is football can be played and enjoyed by all, wherever you are. All you need is a ball or something that rolls.

Let’s Play Football is a great book advocating enjoying life as a community.