Siblings, sports, competition, and surprise--all of these are themes in the easily accessible book Nicky Jones and the Roaring Rhinos. With fun artwork picturing the delight of family, the fun of football, and the unity of working as a team, this catchy little book will readily engage early readers, both boys and girls, up to the third-grade reading level. It would also be enjoyable for younger learners to listen to while following along with the amusing illustrations. A nicely sized book at a very affordable price of about $5, it provides a fun and simple introduction to chapter books.

Describing young Nicky's early days as a quarterback in the peewee football league, the story shares touching moments of familial support--particularly the love of siblings. It also tells of some unusual situations and tough decisions Nicky faces on the football team as well as the great joys that Nicky feels in the realms of both home and field. With football lingo sprinkled throughout and riveting game descriptions, this book will appeal to any football fan.

The surprise ending is meant to be the clincher, making the young reader laugh in astonishment: Nicky is not a boy, as the story seems to imply throughout, but a girl! She shows up to an end-of-season football banquet wearing a pink dress and pink shoes, much to the amazement of her coach and teammates. It comes across as a great joke, and many children would certainly find this to be quite entertaining. For me, however, this is not something I find attractive: encouraging girls to be masculine by hiding their feminine identity completely and by condoning roughhousing with boys to the extreme. For this reason, this book will not be encouraged in my household.

On the basis of delightful illustrations, clever text, and high-quality publishing, however, this is a good purchase and a fun tale for young readers.

Product review by Melissa Cummings, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, March 2011