September 12 – National Day of Encouragement and Interview with Caroline L. Perry

About the Holiday

Today’s holiday was conceived by the Encouragement Foundation at Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas as a day to prompt people to consciously engage in encouraging and inspiring others. On September 12, 2007 Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe signed a proclamation for a “State Day of Encouragement.” President George W. Bush later established September 12 as a National Day of Encouragement. To celebrate today, cheer on your friends, coworkers, and even those you don’t know as they go about their day, attempt to reach goals, or start new endeavors. A pat on the back, a simple “you can do it!,” or a reassuring “great job!” boosts people’s self-confidence and makes the world a happier place.

Thank you to Scholastic for sending me a copy of Messi’s Magic for review.

Messi’s Magic: How Lionel Messi Became the G.O.A.T

Written by Caroline L. Perry | Illustrated by Luciano Lozano

Lionel Messi was born in Rosario, Argentina, where no matter what was going on—work or play—”everything stopped for soccer.” Leo’s brothers loved to play soccer in the backyard and Leo joined in “as soon as he could stand.” With his grandma Celia’s support, he joined the neighborhood team when he was only four years old. His first time out, he scored two goals against the older players.

At six years old, Leo joined a bigger club. As he grew older, he became a formidable player, spurred on by natural talent and his coach’s chocolate cookies. Over six seasons his skills “became even sweeter” as he scored nearly 500 goals and became the club champion. Then he was rocked by two unexpected events. First, his beloved grandma Celia died. Second, Leo was not growing taller like his teammates. Tests showed that he had a growth hormone disorder. Treatment would be expensive—more than his family could afford. While Leo’s parents worked longer hours, he worked on his skills. His practicing paid off when, at just 13, he was “offered a trial with FC Barcelona, one of Europe’s top soccer clubs.”

Even though he was nervous, “Leo dribbled, danced, and dazzled.” The team signed him right away and agreed to pay for his medical treatment. Far away from home, Leo struggled with his medicine and making friends. But Leo stayed focused, and when game days came he “dashed around defenders . . . set up stunning assists . . . glided past goalies” and made “GOAAAAALLLLLLLLL!!!” after “GOAAAAALLLLLLLLL!!!” At just seventeen, Leo joined FC Barcelona’s first team.

Now, his goals were met with the cheers of 90,000 fans, and when the team lost, Leo simply practiced harder. Whenever he made a goal, Leo “pointed two fingers up to the sky, dedicating the goals to Grandma Celia.” Now, Leo has his own soccer-obsessed family, and in Rosario “everything still stops for soccer. Especially when Leo Messi is making magic.”

Back matter includes a timeline of Leo Messi’s life, a list of his professional awards won and records set, more facts about Leo’s life and family, an Author’s Note, and an Artist’s note.

In her thrilling biography of Lionel Messi, Caroline L. Perry brings all the excitement of his phenomenal soccer skills as well as his resilience in the face of challenges to young readers. Her lyrical and descriptive storytelling hums with dynamic motion, honest emotions, and the long-held passion that kept Messi focused on his goals and his Goaaallll!s. Children—whether they play and watch soccer or engage in other activities—will find Lionel Messi’s childhood and teenage success fascinating, encouraging, and inspiring.

Luciano Lozano takes readers from Leo Messi’s backyard soccer field to the big leagues in his vibrant and realistic illustrations that spotlight Messi’s extraordinary talent and the pleasure playing gave him while also sensitively depicting his struggles with loneliness, grief, and his health. In one evocative page spread, Leo’s small stature is contrasted with the enormity of his dreams through an image of him and his shadow. The strong family support Leo enjoyed and now shares with his own children is also highlighted in heartwarming spreads.

Ages 4 – 8

Scholastic, 2025 | ISBN 978-1546179078

About the Illustrator

Luciano Lozano is an award-winning author, illustrator, and graphic artist based in Lionel Messi’s adopted city of Barcelona, Spain. Luciano’s picture books include Boys Dance by John Robert Allman, Ciao Sandro! by Steven Varni, and his very own Diana Dances. A self-taught artist who studied creative illustration in a postgraduate course at EINA University School of Design and Art of Barcelona, he also creates editorial art for newspapers and magazines worldwide. Learn more at lucianolozano.com.

Meet Caroline L. Perry

Caroline L. Perry is the author of the acclaimed picture book The Corgi and the Queen illustrated by Lydia Corry, as well as several forthcoming books for children. A lifelong soccer fan, a youth soccer coach, and mum to three soccer-obsessed kids (who can frequently be found squabbling over goal stats), Caroline also volunteers as a public-school writing instructor. She lives in Southern California with her family. Learn more at carolinelperry.com.

Today I’m chatting with Caroline L. Perry about how her newest book Messi’s Magic: How Lionel Messi became the G.O.A.T came to be, her experiences as a children’s soccer coach, and a few of her favorite small museums.

Hi Caroline! Thanks for taking the time to talk with me today! What most inspired you to write Messi’s Magic?

Since Messi signed with Inter Miami in 2023, he’s inspired young fans in a way we haven’t seen before—I like to joke that he’s the Taylor Swift of the sports world! There are already middle-grade and fact-based books about Messi’s journey, but I wanted to create something for the youngest supporters: a beautifully illustrated tribute that captures the magic of his journey from a small, shy child to the greatest soccer player of all time.

Can you share the book’s journey with readers?

Absolutely! When I write biographies, I use a ‘full immersion’ approach: I read, watch, and absorb everything I can about my subject, always looking for the story’s heart, or its ‘north star.’ Messi’s story is incredible, he overcame loss, serious illness and immense challenges on his path to greatness, and I think that’s really what makes him such a hero. Yes, he’s an exceptional player, but there are also so many elements from his life that young readers can relate to. My editor, Tracy Mack, was the perfect partner for this book, and the Scholastic team have been wonderful to work with. I couldn’t be happier with the way Messi’s Magic turned out!

What was the most surprising thing you learned while researching this book?

There were many fascinating details, but I was most surprised to learn that Messi was a very picky eater as a child, and that his incredible goal-scoring was sometimes encouraged with cookies (as someone with a very sweet tooth myself, this resonated!) I also discovered that Messi’s famous ‘two fingers to the sky’ goal celebration is actually a tribute to his late grandmother Celia, who played a huge role in nurturing his love of the game. I thought this was really beautiful, and it also tells us a lot about Messi’s character.

On your website, you mention that you’ve had fun coaching kids’ soccer. What is it about the game of soccer that would you say makes it a good experience for kids?

Me at the Inter-Miami vs LA Galaxy game with Leo Messi in the background.

Soccer is a wonderfully democratic sport—you don’t need anything except a ball, some determination and a willingness to learn. As a coach, it’s incredible to watch kids transform: I’ve seen really timid players become fearless defenders, and kids struggling with friendships form unbreakable bonds on the field. I’ve been lucky to witness so many moments of growth, teamwork, and pure elation after a win! Even in the sadder moments (following a loss, for example) magic happens when the team commiserates together.

Luciano Lozano’s realistic and action-packed illustrations really bring readers onto the field and into Leo Messi’s life. Did you get to see sketches along the way or how did the process go?

Yes! I was lucky to see sketches and artwork at various stages, and it was a very collaborative process. Luciano did an incredible job of capturing both Messi’s unique style of play and the electric energy of the stadium and crowd scenes.

Is there a certain spread that’s your favorite? If so, what makes it distinctive for you?

Oh, that’s tough! If I had to pick, it would be the spread showing Messi about to step onto the field at Camp Nou, FC Barcelona’s stadium, in front of 90,000 fans. The art radiates excitement and anticipation, and I love that Luciano included Messi’s contemporaries, Ronaldinho and Eto’o, as part of the scene. I hope young soccer fans will enjoy those details!

In your bio you mention that you love finding out-of-the-way museums. Which one of these museums stands out most in your memory and why?

There are a few! Pollocks Toy Museum in London is tiny, eccentric, and delightful, a real passion project filled with vintage treasures. Over the summer, I also took my kids to the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s museum—we were the only visitors, but it was fascinating to see how pharmacy and medicine have evolved over the years. In Stockholm, we stumbled across a small Wooden Horse Museum, and I honestly wanted to take half of the exhibits home with me!

What’s the best thing about being a children’s author?

Honestly, it’s getting to engage with young readers, who are endlessly imaginative, curious, and enthusiastic. Their energy is often contagious and always inspiring!

Since this blog highlights holidays and you’ve lived in and traveled to so many countries, could you share one of your favorite global holidays and what makes it special?

My visit to a festa in Malta.

Malta, the tiny Mediterranean island where my extended family lives, will always hold a special place in my heart. The festas there are absolutely magical—each village celebrates its patron saint with music, fireworks, and food, and the whole community comes together. Malta itself is unique, with more than 7,000 years of history, and it also happens to be the setting for my recently released book, The Memory Cake.

You must have had some amazing adventures! Would you like to share a couple of them with readers?

Me and a quokka on Wadjemup/Rottnest Island, Australia.

Another unforgettable experience was visiting Wadjemup/Rottnest Island in Australia, where I had the chance to meet a quokka up close. That really was a dream come true, especially since the main character of my upcoming book, I AM NOT HAPPY!, is a misunderstood marsupial.

Argentinian flags in Buenos Aires

And then there’s Argentina, Messi’s homeland, where my husband and I honeymooned. I’d love to go back someday, hopefully to experience the joy of watching a fútbol match there. Each of these places has given me not only incredible memories but also inspiration for my writing.

What’s up next for you?

In October, my funny story about a mercurial quokka, I AM NOT HAPPY! (illustrated by Sydney Hanson) comes out with Simon & Schuster. I also have a humorous book scheduled for 2026, along with a few other exciting projects in the works. Plenty to look forward to!

Thank you so much, Caroline for stopping by and sharing so much about Messi’s Magic: How Lionel Messi Became the G.O.A.T.! I wish you all the best with this book! I’m sure kids are eager to read it—and your upcoming books as well!

National Day of Encouragement Activity

Watch Lionel Messi in Action

Be amazed by Leo Messi’s dazzling footwork in this YouTube video courtesy of Kyliann22Second!

You can purchase Messi’s Magic: How Lionel Messi Became the G.O.A.T from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop (discounted books and support for your local, independent bookstore)

October 11 – Celebrating the Book Birthday of Madani’s Best Game

Posted by Kath Carroll

Thanks to Eerdmans Books for Young Readers for sharing a copy of Madani’s Best Game with me for review consideration. All opinions on the book are my own.

Madani’s Best Game

Written by Fran Pintadera | Illustrated by Raquel Catalina | Translated from the Spanish by Lawrence Schimel

“Our whole neighborhood knows it: no one plays soccer like Madani does.” Thus, a teammate of Madani’s begins the story about this friend who captivates the neighborhood (and sometimes it seems the whole world) with his barefoot ball-handling prowess. Madani has elevated the team’s game to “the best soccer we’ve ever seen.” After Madani has scored a “Gooooal!” the sound of the cheers soars above the playing field and “…crosses through doorways, rushes past the magazine stand, slips down alleyways, swirls around the fountain, and, growing fainter and fainter, climbs the steps up to Madani’s house.”