The Field

“Vini! Come! The field calls!” cries a girl as she and her younger brother rouse their community — family, friends, and the local fruit vendor — for a pick-up soccer (futbol) game. Children–young and old–players and spectators come running — bringing balls, shoes, goals, and a love of the sport.

The world’s most popular and inclusive sport has found its spirited and authentic voice in Baptiste Paul's debut picture book — highlighting the joys of the game along with its universal themes: teamwork, leadership, diversity, and acceptance. Creole words spoke in Saint Lucia, the book's setting, create a bilingual text that reminds readers of the sport’s world fame. Bright and brilliant debut illustrations by children’s book illustrator Jacqueline Alcántara—winner of the We Need Diverse Books Illustration Mentorship award — capture the grit and glory of the game and the beauty of the island setting that inspired this field.