About the Holiday

Brenda Howard instituted Gay Pride Week in 1970 to commemorate the Stonewall Riots, which took place in Manhattan beginning on June 28, 1969 and lasted six days as protesters demanded the establishment of places where LGBTQ+ people could be open about their sexual orientation without fear of arrest. These events later inspired the New York City Pride March, which became a catalyst for the formation of similar parades and marches across the world. Pride Month was officially recognized in 1999 by President Bill Clinton. During the month of June the LGBTQ+ community celebrates diversity, cultural accomplishments and influence, and the strides that have been made politically and socially.

The month also highlights the need for renewed vigilance to protect hard-won rights while moving forward to ensure that the LGBTQ+ community achieves full equality and acceptance. Globally, activists work year-round to end abuses and advocate for laws and policies to protect all. Around the world, the rainbow flag, designed in 1978 by American artist, gay rights activist, and U.S. Army veteran Gilbert Baker, flies proudly over a variety of events, including parades, marches, concerts, book readings, parties, and workshops.

Thank you to Nosy Crow for sending me a copy of this book for review!

The Perfect Match

Written by Chris Becker | Illustrated by Dan Taylor

Every night Jack asked his dad to tell him his favorite bedtime story, and every night his dad began with that well-loved phrase, “Once upon a time . . . .” In this story “there was a boy named Leo” who loved soccer, but while his two older brothers kicked the ball around in the yard, they made him do all the chores. Leo diligently did each one while also finding ways to turn them into weaving-and-bobbing, ball-kicking soccer practice.

When Leo unexpectedly received an invitation to play in Prince Ollie’s Royal Soccer Match against the Red Dragons that very night, Leo was excited. But his brothers unfurled a long, long list of chores he had to finish before he could go. Leo felt deflated; he’d never get all that work done. As he was washing piles of pots and pans and dishes, an itty-bitty man with “tiny wings and glowing silvery hair appeared.” He introduced himself as Leo’s Hairy Squadfather, and with several tweets of his whistle Leo was dressed in the uniform of the Purple Knights, and his skuffed soccer ball was transformed into a shiny race car.

With the admonition to be home before the winner’s trophy was hoisted, Leo was on his way. He made it to the field just in the nick of time. Leo’s brothers, part of the Red Dragons team, thought this newcomer looked familiar, but it couldn’t be . . . Leo was back at home, right? The game commenced, and Prince Ollie made a quick goal. Then, just before halftime, one of Leo’s brothers scored. The rest of the game was fiercely played, but with almost no time left and the score tied, Prince Ollie passed to Leo. He kicked . . . his cleat went flying . . . he scored!

As Leo and Prince Ollie lifted the trophy, Leo’s magic was beginning to fade. He rushed out of the stadium as his uniform and race car began disappearing. The next day Prince Ollie appeared at the door, holding the magic cleat. He’d tried every house in town to find the owner. He wanted the player who had worn that shoe to join his team. Both of Leo’s brothers laid claim to the shoe, but it didn’t fit either of them. Then Leo tried it on. It was a perfect fit!

Jack smiled. “‘That’s my favorite part, Dad,'” he said. It was his dad Leo’s favorite part too. Jack was growing sleepy when his dad Ollie came in to echo their sentiments. “‘Without that missing cleat, your dad and I would never have found each other, and we wouldn’t be a family!'” he said. Then both dads kissed Jack goodnight, telling him “‘We love you.'”

Chris Becker’s creative take on the Cinderella tale—framed by the sweet bedtime routine of a loving and supportive family—will enchant kids as the traditional folk tale is updated with mean older brothers, a soccer match, a race car, and a Hairy Squadfather coach, who’s sure to bring a giggle when he first appears. Readers will be charmed to discover that the true origins of Jack’s favorite bedtime story is one they also love to hear again and again—how their parents met.

Kids will love exploring Dan Taylor’s homey and magical illustrations as they empathize with Leo’s plight, cheer when his kindly Hairy Squadfather saves the day, and get caught up in the action and suspense of the royal soccer match. Taylor decorates Jack’s room with reminders from Leo and Ollie’s memorable first meeting, and alert readers will enjoy spying a special guest who also comes by to say goodnight.

Inventive and heartwarming, The Perfect Match is a must for any public and school library collection and will become a quick favorite on home bookshelves as well.

Ages 4 – 8

Nosy Crow, 2026 | ISBN 979-8887772707

A QR Code on the back of the book provides a free Nosy Crow Stories Aloud® Audiobook.

Chris Becker is a second grade teacher from New York who spends his days reading silly stories, tying shoelaces, answering endless questions, and helping kids discover a love of books. He’s passionate about storytelling, both in and out of the classroom, and believes there’s nothing better than a read-aloud that makes everyone laugh. When he’s not teaching, Chris loves running (he’s finished a few marathons), hanging with friends and family, and spending time with his dog Oliver and cat Jasper.
His debut picture book, The Perfect Match, is just the beginning—he’s excited to keep writing stories that connect with kids and spark joy. You can visit Chris at chrisbeckerauthor.com.

Dan Taylor was born in Staffordshire UK and has been working as children’s illustrator for over 15 years. Dan’s most recently illustrated book Papa’s Coming Home written by Chasten Buttigieg and published by Penguin made it to the New York Times Bestseller list. Dan finds much of his inspiration from 1950’s and 60’s design and creates his illustrations digitally combining hand painted textures and elements and putting it all together using his trusty iPad. When not illustrating, Dan also teaches art to children with special educational needs – and when he’s not teaching, he can be found napping, trying to stay healthy and enjoying his time with family and friends. Follow him on Instagram.

Pride Month Activity

Kick It In!

Use some fancy footwork to move the soccer ball down the field and score in this printable puzzle!

Kick It In Maze Puzzle | Kick It In Maze Solution

You can purchase The Perfect Match from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review