Mikey is the super-competitive young captain of the Hot Diggedy Diner soccer team. He works hard, even if his teammates are easily distracted by anthill investigations and turning themselves into whirlybirds.

After a tough practice, Mikey only wants to practice for the Big Game. Daddy offers to help, but to Mikey’s dismay he keeps bending the rules and telling his impatient son to “just have fun.” After an irresistible ticklefest, however, Mikey finally comes around to Daddy’s way of thinking—and joins him and Socks in the worst, best soccer game ever!

Author Sherry Shahan shows young readers that there is more than one way for kids to play—and enjoy—a game. Illustrator Tatjana Mai-Wyss’s exuberant and whimsical watercolor illustrations reflect the characters’ winning personalities and the upbeat spirit of the story.