Review Detail

THE PERFECT MATCH is a Cinderella retelling featuring a soccer game, young Leo, and Prince Ollie. Leo is telling the story about the Royal Match to his son Jack as a bedtime story. Despite loving soccer, Leo never gets to play because his stepbrothers always stick him with the chores. With the help of his Hairy Squadfather, Leo manages to sneak out and join Prince Ollie’s team during the Royal Match.

As a Cinderella retelling, the story is pretty predictable. This is not a complaint though. The author manages to take the traditional Cinderella story and switch it around enough so that it feels like a distinct, if related, story. Having it take place during a soccer game is definitely a switch that I don’t see often. Framing this story as a bedtime story is a charming addition as well.

The artwork in this book is so pretty. The images are very clean, with beautiful shading ang colors. Each line feels carefully illustrated and you can feel the care that went into the book in the images. The artist also did a fantastic job at capturing the energy and magic of the book. The stadium feels alive, the game feels real. It’s so vibrant and energetic.

Fans of fairy tales or soccer may take an interest in this book. THE PERFECT MATCH is a sweet Cinderella story that puts soccer in the forefront. With stunning images to accompany it, this is definitely a memorable picture book.