Children's bookclub choice: Up for the Cup by Simon Bartram: Apply for a free copy

[RachelMumsnet]

Only two weeks until kick off to the greatest footballing event in the world and what better way to get youngsters in the mood than to delve into the wonderful array of kid's books about the beautiful game.

Simon Bartram's illustrations capture the essence of football characters perfectly in this genius book for young football fans - and is listed in our round-up of the best football books for kids. If you know a young footy fan (aged 4+) who will enjoy this book apply for a free copy and leave your feedback on this thread or post up a review.

This giveaway is now closed. We will contact those selected to receive a free copy via email. Please don't forget to come back here to let us know your thoughts.

I really enjoyed reading this illustrated book with my stepdaughter, she doesn't mind football, but she's not a fanatic either, but there is enough of a storyline to carry the book for the non-football fans too.
The funniest thing has got to be the Alphabet Spaghetti storyline within it!
The idea of the story, I think, is the thought that we can all fight through adversity and come out smiling, and never give up!

Thanks for the book. I read this with DS1 (8 - who loved it, especially the football facts in the side bars) and DS2 (who is 5, not so into football, but enjoyed it and liked trying to spot the characters at the end in the book).

Its quite a long book for a 4 or 5 year old to pay attention through but a lovely feel good story and fantastically illustrated. I loved the Alphabet Spaghetti story line in it (as did the boys) so it gets a thumbs up from us!

I also received a copy of this book, thank you, my seven year old son absolutely loved it, dad has to read it every night, and while he's waiting for dad he'll read all the facts and information, he loves to learn from a book and this one was not only enjoyable for the story but also full of interesting facts for him to pick up. He's starting to really get into football, so it's been a great book to start with for him.

Thank you for the book. It is brilliant.

We love the football facts panels and the superstitions these footballers have. The story line is obvious but love the different slant used to walk the reader through to the conclusion.

Was a little concerned with 'the V salute' when we first read that. Didn't automatically think of 'victory' but I suppose that is an adults mind not a child's.

The illustrations are wonderful and imaginative and the game at the end is great because we had to read it all again to find the characters.

The text is a good size to follow easily and there is enough interest on each page to stretch reading time if required.

Thankyou for the book.
The combination of facts and fiction works well and the Alphabet Spaghetti storyline is clever.

This book is brilliant for anyone mad on football, especially with the footie facts on some of the pages.

My boys loved this - and they were intrigued to look for the aliens from the author's previous book!! Thankyou for the book!!

Perfect whilst the world cup is on. Great story and wonderfully illustrated

My Son Joe and his friend Fin offered to review this book for me, they loved it. Fin is Mad about football and it fit perfectly with the world cup. They both loved all the football facts and illustrations throughout the book, that went alongside the story.

Both boys (3 & 6) have loved reading this book, was good timing what with the World Cup being on too! Thanks for a great book, recommended to friends with footy mad kids.

Just received this book today- thanks, and it looks great, I know my 11 and 9 year olds will love it. I particularly like the amount of text which means older children can enjoy a picture book that will also challenge them.
It's also well illustrated and the added extras such as fact boxes and character spotting game will keep children captivated and occupied.

This book is a hit with my Grandchildren (boys and girls). We particularly liked the football facts at the side of each page. Also, the younger ones liked the character spotting game.

Great book for young football fans.

Now that the World Cup is over, would be good to read as the new 2014/15 season approaches.