Hunter & Stripe and the Soccer Showdown

What happens when two inseparable friends become competitors? When Hunter and Stripe land on different soccer teams—and it's time to face off against each other—can they endure the test of competition and the drive to be champ? Laura Malone Elliott and Lynn Munsinger reunite these endearing characters to provide a first lesson about being a good sport and a positive example of the resilience of a special friendship.

Laura Malone Elliott and Lynn Munsinger are the creators of Hunter's Best Friend at School, winner of the IRA/CBC Children's Choice Award. A look at peer pressure, Hunter's Best Friend at School shows young people that sometimes being a best friend doesn't mean following along, but instead being a leader, helping your best friend be his best self. Hunter's Best Friend at School has also won the Oppenheim Gold Award, and been included in the Texas Library Association 2003 2 X 2 Reading List and ABA's Booksense 76.

Hunter and Stripe and the Soccer Showdown is the second book in a series exploring friendship and sibling rivalry.

Awards and Reviews

Book Sense Children's Picks for Fall 2005

"This second book about the two friends once again puts an expressive raccoon cast into activities and situations kids will easily recognize. The descriptive prose and colorful, detailed art are lively and appealing and together convey the joy and challenges for friendships and good sportsmanship.

A story touched with humor and sympathy about what matter most, on and off the field."

— Booklist

"Beginning soccer fans will ask for repeat readings."

— School Library Journal

"'Winning isn't everything,' coach Vince Lombardi famously said, 'it's the only thing.' Or is it? Elliott's story appreciates that 'how you play the game' provides the crucial balance, not to mention the art and sustenance of the athlete, when one team necessarily has to lose. Raccoon mates Hunter and Stripe are back, and this time they find themselves on opposing sides in a game between their unbeaten teams. The competitive drive rears its head and they have a minor falling out. Hunter's sister provides some insight: 'Sports should celebrate the amazing things we can do—no matter who wins.' Hunter is mystified—it's a big step to take—but he takes it, along with Stripe, when they witness their fathers, as coaches of their respective teams, being over-competitive goofballs. Munsinger's stumpy, zealous characters add the right degree of empathy and laughs."

— Kirkus Reviews

“The story really portrays what sportsmanship could be like and hopefully is for many kids and their friends. Maybe some of the professionals out there can take a tip from this book. I would recommend this to all kids age 4 and up."

— PJ Librarian, THE MAGIC OF BOOKS