ALA Booklist (Mon Jan 01 00:00:00 CST 2018)

Complementing The Day My Mom Came to Kindergarten (2013), this role-reversal episode likewise offers some indirect instruction in proper attitudes. Misunderstanding a coach's request for a parent volunteer, the young narrator's dad proceeds to charge onto the pitch ere he whines about being on defense rather than offense, hogs the ball, acts up on the sidelines, throws a fit when an opposing player isn't penalized for tripping, and loudly declares that playing soccer is all about "WINNING!" The coach counsels the mortified lad to be patient and to keep demonstrating that being a Good Sport involves playing fair, showing respect to all, supporting teammates, and having fun. In the game's second half, Dad comes around handsomely. Unshaven and, thanks to a jersey that's far too small, bare of belly in Lowery's cartoon illustrations, the offending parent cuts a thoroughly ridiculous figure that young readers will mock with gusto even as they absorb these guidelines to civil, responsible behavior.

Horn Book (Wed Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2018)

Soccer was a ball-kicking, leg-pumping, heart-thumping good time

Kirkus Reviews

Dad is schooled about more than soccer the day he "volunteers" to help out his child's team. In this role-reversal book, the unnamed first-person narrator, an avid soccer player, is mortified by the sudden change in Dad's behavior after he dons a jersey and assumes a position on the field. In fact, Dad exhibits all the bad behaviors: whining to the coach, focusing on winning at all costs, picking flowers on the field, fooling around on the sideline, running off to play on the slides, hogging the ball, grumping when the team's goalie misses a save, and throwing a fit about an accidental foul. The narrator consults Coach, a dark-skinned bald man, who has some words of wisdom, encouraging them to work with Dad's energy and enthusiasm to focus on being a good sport (a clipboard lists the four points for readers). Remarkably, the father turns his act around in the second half but in the end decides that volunteering for snacks may be more his speed. Lowery's Photoshop illustrations are filled with bright, flat colors spotlighting the father's hijinks and the characters' emotions. Both dad and child have brown hair and light brown skin. The other players are diverse in terms of both race and gender presentation.Turning the tables shines the light on poor sportsmanship. Will Fergus and Lowery next address bad behavior in the bleachers? (Picture book. 4-8)

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

The duo behind The Day My Mom Came to Kindergarten returns with another story about an overly eager parent. When a soccer-loving kids- coach puts the word out for a parent volunteer, his dad-wearing a headband, five o-clock shadow, and a jersey two sizes too small--hops in the game. The boy-s father only cares about winning, goofs around on the sidelines, and acts like he-s the only one on the field-behaviors that readers might recognize on their own sports teams. Luckily, the boy understands how being a good sport makes the game better for everyone and coaches his dad on how to play fair, support his teammates, and focus on having a good time. Lowery-s bright, bold cartoons complement the fun conceit: readers will get a kick out of seeing an exasperated yet patient kid dealing with a clueless parental figure. Ages 5-6. (Apr.)