What happens in the story
Zaggy the zebra loves to play football, the game kids in the US call soccer. One big kick sends his ball high into a tree, and it gets wedged tight in the branches.
Kitty tries her wind. The ball wiggles but stays put. Dino grows a vine up the trunk, but it isn’t strong enough. So Kitty says, “Let’s work as a team.” Dino makes the vine thick like a rope. Zaggy kicks his spare ball up at the stuck one while Kitty’s wind gives it a boost. Then Dino shakes the branch.
There’s one more problem after that. The field is full of bumps and holes. Kitty makes it flat, Dino grows soft grass, and they make goals from little hills and big leaves. Then they play all day.
Looking for a children’s book about zebras?
Most zebra books are about stripes and being different. This one is about soccer, a stuck ball, and three friends who keep trying until it comes down.
It’s a good pick for the kid who kicks everything in the house, and for any little one who gets upset when the first try fails. Kitty and Dino each try on their own and miss. It only works when they try together.
Look inside
Flip through the opening pages of the book.
Questions to ask after reading
A few questions for the minute after the book closes. There are no wrong answers.
- Kitty’s wind and Dino’s vine didn’t work alone. What changed when they worked as a team?
- Zaggy was worried his second ball would get stuck too. What would you have done?
- Dino says “Football is more fun with friends.” What’s more fun with a friend for you?
Perfect for
- ✓ Little soccer fans, and kids who kick everything indoors
- ✓ Showing that trying together works better than trying alone
- ✓ Kids who get upset when the first try fails
- ✓ A bouncy, happy bedtime read
Quick answers
For the kid who never stops kicking a ball
One short story. One stuck ball and three friends. Ready for tonight.
Buy the paperback →
or read it free tonight with Kindle Unlimited
Choosing a gift? See our Book Gifts guide for ages 3–8 →