Dessi The Dragon and the Big Game — book cover

A Must-Have Soccer Picture Book for Kids Ages 4–7

About sportsmanship, big emotions, and teamwork.

Have you ever heard, “That's not fair!” followed by tears, frustration, or full meltdowns after losing a game? If so, you're not alone. Dessi is here to help.

Dessi the Dragon loves soccer, loves scoring goals, and he really loves winning! But when The Big Game doesn't go his way, his fiery temper takes over.

Can Dessi learn to recognize his feelings, treat others with respect, and persevere like a true champion?

🎨 Hand-drawn art
📖 Easy rhymes
⚽ Soccer fun
💪 Great character
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Peek inside the book! 📖

Build Strong Character Through Sport

Inside Dessi The Dragon — the Good Sport Pledge spread
SallyFun Dragon CharactersA whole team to cheer for
⚽Exciting Soccer ScenesAction on every page
💛Based on Real FeelingsBig emotions kids relate to
Dessi the dragon cheering

Read Aloud With Dessi!

This fun read-aloud works well for classrooms, bedtime reading, library story time, and author visits.

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▶️ Read-aloud video with Brenda's voice — coming soon!
Meet the Dragons!

Dragon Hall of Fame

Dessi the dragon
Dessi
The Goal-Scoring Star
  • 🎂 Born: May 14
  • ⚽ Hero: Lionel Messi
  • 👕 Team: The Flying Fireballs
  • ✨ Move: Blazing Banana Kick
  • 🍕 Food: Extra-cheesy volcano pizza with crunchy crickets
  • 🎨 Color: Fiery Orange
  • 🍎 Teacher: Mrs. Morena
  • ☀️ Summer: Balloon fights with sister Sally
Sally the dragon
Sally
The Sparkly Speedster
  • 🎂 Born: June 8
  • ⚽ Hero: Mia Hamm
  • 👕 Team: The Glitter Wings
  • ✨ Move: Turbo Tail Swipe
  • 🥞 Food: Rainbow marshmallow pancakes with strawberry syrup
  • 🎨 Color: Sparkly Purple
  • 🍎 Teacher: Mrs. Galdos
  • ☀️ Summer: Go to 'Glitter Wings Jr. Camp'
Al-be the dragon
Al-be
The Speedy Goofball
  • 🎂 Born: April 21
  • ⚽ Hero: Rose Lavelle
  • 👕 Team: Scorch United
  • ✨ Move: Triple Scissors
  • 🍟 Food: Spicy cheetos with french flies
  • 🎨 Color: Neon Green
  • 🍎 Teacher: Ms. Eloisa
  • ☀️ Summer: Go fishing with his mouth!
Coach Ric the dragon
Coach Ric
The Wise Whistle
  • 🎂 Born: December 12
  • ⚽ Hero: Pelé
  • 👕 Team: The Brazilian Squad
  • ✨ Move: Bicycle Kick
  • 🐟 Food: Slippery salmon
  • 🎨 Color: Sunshine Yellow
  • 🍎 Teacher: Usafi
  • ☀️ Summer: Watch "How to Train My Dragon" on repeat
Fun beyond the book!

Games, Puzzles & Magic

Word Search · Level 1 Word Search · Level 2 Word Scramble 🌀Soccer Maze ✏️Trace the Dragon ➕Add & Subtract 📊Tally Chart 🔎Search & Count 🏅Sportsmanship Cert. 🖍️Coloring Pages
From our dragon fans 💬

What Readers Roar About

“

Must have for AYSO players!

This book is amazing for my 8 year old kiddo. I like how Dessi lost his temper but he learned a lesson. My kids relate to that! Awesome. It's good for any parent and coach!

⚽ William Vargas Dad of two
★★★★★
“

Great for ESL learners.

I teach ESL students and found this book to be quite accessible for my students to read. The topics were charming and relevant. I will look forward to using Dessi The Dragon and The Big Game in my classroom again.

🍎 T. Barbeau Public school teacher
★★★★★
“

Perfect gift for all kids

Powerful lesson for kids written in a fun poem style and beautifully illustrated. Perfect book for those who want to teach their kids how to be a good sport while having fun. Love these little dragons!

💛 E.J
★★★★★
“

Fun and adorable book for soccer fans!

Perfect for kids starting their first soccer season. This beautifully written and illustrated story introduces important values like teamwork, confidence, discipline, and respect for the game. The author takes relatable situations and teaches kids appropriate decision-making skills during competition.

🏆 Rick Figueiredo World Cup '94 & '98 Soccer Computer Analyst
★★★★★
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🎁 Free eBook for new dragons!

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Dessi flying over

Let's Chat! 💬

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