Common Sense Media Review
By Mandie Caroll
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Tiny dino doesn't give up on soccer in sweet sports tale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 3+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
TINY T. REX TRIES SOCCER in this sporty tale of a soccer-loving young dino who is playing on a team for the first time. Tiny is geared up in shin protectors, a too-big jersey, and cleats and is super excited for his first practice, but when it comes to dribbling, passing, and kicking, Tiny isn't so good at it. Tiny watches how the other players each bring something to the field but wonders what he's good at. With a pep talk from Sister and Brother, Tiny is ready to get back in the game, where he discovers his special skill on his team. End pages include a list of "Tiny's Tips for Soccer Success," covering tips like what to expect at a game, stretching, hydrating, plus a tutorial on how to draw Tiny T. Rex with a soccer ball.
Is It Any Good?
Little soccer and dino fans will be drawn to this sweet tale of a plucky dino who is trying to be great at a beloved sport. What really stands out here is author Jonathan Stutzman's gentle incorporation of social-emotional skills like self-awareness and self-management. When Tiny struggles to play soccer, he calls it "tricky" (a less emotionally charged descriptor than "hard" that young readers may benefit from talking about), asks for advice from his more-skilled siblings, and resolves to keep practicing the sport he loves. As Tiny figures out his special role on the team, the satisfying end shows that practice and perseverance really do pay off.
It doesn't hurt that Jay Fleck's colorful art is full of downright adorable characters with their big heads and lopsided headbands. Parents will appreciate Tiny's siblings' kind encouragement, while kids will see that it's OK to not be good at something right away and that practice will help you learn.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about trying new things as shown in Tiny T. Rex Tries Soccer. What's something that's challenging about trying a new sport or hobby? What's rewarding about learning a new skill?
Tiny realizes at his first practice that he's not naturally good at soccer. How does he feel about that? What does he do that helps? Talk about how communication, perseverance, and teamwork help Tiny. When have you used these or other character strengths to get better at something you love?
Tiny talks about the new skills that soccer requires (as well as patience) as "tricky," but some people might say they're "hard" or "challenging." Does it feel different to think about learning something new as "tricky" rather than "hard"? If so, how?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Jay Fleck
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Sports ( Soccer )
- Character Strengths : Communication , Humility , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Chronicle Books
- Publication date : May 19, 2026
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 3 - 5
- Number of pages : 36
- Available on : Nook, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : June 10, 2026
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