‘The Man with the Magic Foot’ by Ian Slatter is a very enjoyable read. It is exciting, intriguing, full of jeopardy and a page turner. Just right for readers 8+.
The central character, Chester (Ches) is a young avid football supporter of his local team, Chadmouth Town, but they haven’t won a trophy for over sixty years. This trophy, however, won in the 1960’s, has never been forgotten.
Ches’s father and other adults in his family have talked for many a long year about the surprising hero of this amazing and historic win. He has a song dedicated to his memory as well as a statue built in his honour.
These two elements are crucial to the story when, in a chance time-slip, Ches finds himself in a perfect moment to witness the glory moment of his team. The question is, will his presence change history for the worst?
The story is fun with engaging, likeable characters and plenty of tense action. The references to differences between how things were in the 1960’s and the present day are funny and interesting. This element will appeal to adults reading the story.
The length of each chapter is perfect for an emergent or even a reluctant reader, the subject ideal for sports-mad children.
Maybe some of the more technical football terms in one of the chapters may go over the heads of some children, but the excitement and description of the match and the building tension keeps things moving nicely along.
The book will be great for sharing and also just right for bedtime reading. The chapters are short and punchy with plenty of cliff-hangers built in. As the story progresses, we become worried about Ches and what might happen to his dream team. Would everything be ruined? Would it all be his fault?
The intriguing title of the story is a good hook, and the cover illustration is bold and clear, leaving us in no doubt that the story will be about football.
The conclusion of the story does not disappoint and has extra surprise elements built in which leaves the reader satisfied.
A deserved 4.5 stars is awarded to ‘The Man with the Magic Foot’.
