
Titles in This Set:
Trailblazers
BIG DUNC
Format: Hardback
Overview:
Delve into two captivating hardback football titles that pair history with personal storytelling. Trailblazers by Matthew Oldroyd introduces young readers to Nottingham Forest Football Club and its remarkable pioneering traditions as the Garibaldi Reds. Beginning in 1865, the Foresters set out to push boundaries, shaping a club that would influence the sport for generations. The narrative highlights the innovations and achievements that helped define football’s modern game, from firsts that still echo on today’s pitches to the enduring culture of resilience and community around Forest. In parallel, BIG DUNC by Duncan Ferguson offers an intimate, unabashed memoir from a much-loved Everton figure. Ferguson’s blunt, humorous voice sheds light on a storied Premier League career, the realities of professional sport, and the relationships that define a life in football. Together, these two hardback titles create a complete set for readers aged 3–7 who are curious about history, biography, team spirit, and the thrill of football storytelling. The collection provides durable, gift-ready volumes that families can read aloud or savor independently, forming a vivid introduction to football’s past and present.
What This Collection Covers:
This two-book set blends history and memoir to offer a balanced gateway into football for curious young readers and new fans. Trailblazers opens a window onto the groundbreaking history of Nottingham Forest FC, tracing the club’s origins and the innovative mindset that helped shape football as we know it today. Readers will meet a team known for pushing boundaries, earning notable firsts, and building a lasting heritage rooted in community and character. Complementing this, BIG DUNC shares the hard-earned lessons and candid moments from Duncan Ferguson’s football journey, inviting readers to glimpse the highs, lows, and everyday realities of life at the top of the sport. The collection as a whole encourages curiosity about clubs, players, and the human stories behind the game, making it a thoughtful gift set for families and budding sports enthusiasts.
Book-by-Book Guide:
Trailblazers — This title guides young readers through the remarkable pioneering history of Nottingham Forest Football Club, highlighting the club’s early beginnings, the people who shaped its direction, and the innovations that helped the game evolve. Written with clarity and accessibility, it brings to life a tradition of trailblazing that continues to inspire modern football. While presenting factual milestones, it also emphasizes themes of teamwork, persistence, and community, inviting children to understand how a club’s culture can influence a sport for generations. The tone remains approachable for readers ages 3–7, inviting curiosity about history, identity, and the power of collective effort in sports and local pride. A thoughtful entry point into football lore, it pairs well with family reading sessions and classroom discussions about heritage and sport.
BIG DUNC — This title offers an intimate, candid glimpse into the life of Duncan Ferguson, a celebrated Everton figure and Premier League personality. The narrative blends humor with honest reflections on the realities of professional football, providing readers with memorable anecdotes, behind-the-scenes moments, and a sense of what it means to carry the weight of expectation as a footballer. While the book portrays Ferguson’s experiences on and off the pitch, it also celebrates resilience, loyalty, and the human side of team sport. The voice is direct, engaging, and memorable, appealing to fans of football biographies and readers who enjoy authentic storytelling alongside personal triumphs and challenges.
Who This Set Is Perfect For:
This two-book collection is ideal for families seeking a engaging, age-appropriate introduction to football history and biography. It suits young readers curious about sports, teamwork, and famous clubs, as well as gift buyers looking for a thoughtful sports-themed set. Teachers and librarians may find it a useful addition to reading lists that explore sports culture, local history, or biographical storytelling. Fans of Nottingham Forest and Everton will appreciate having these perspectives in a durable, hardback format, while parents and caregivers will enjoy shared reading sessions that spark conversation about perseverance, community, and the human stories behind athletic success.
Key Benefits:
About the Author:
Trailblazers is authored by Matthew Oldroyd, who presents historical insights about Nottingham Forest Football Club in a way that resonates with young readers. BIG DUNC is authored by Duncan Ferguson, whose firsthand perspective as a celebrated Everton forward adds authenticity to the collection. Together, these two titles blend a historical overview with personal experience, offering readers a balanced look at football’s past and present through two distinct narratives that appeal to families and young sports enthusiasts alike.
Why You’ll Love This Set:
This complete two-book collection delivers a compelling combination of history and biography in a durable, gift-ready format. It is a thoughtful choice for young readers beginning their sports journeys, as well as families seeking engaging, conversation-starting reads about football’s legacy and its beloved personalities. The hardback edition ensures lasting keepsakes that can be revisited as a child’s interest in football deepens, making it an excellent addition to any budding reader’s library and a memorable gift set for birthdays or holidays.
Please Note: The individual books included in this listing will be dispatched as per the original UK ISBN and UK edition cover image shown in the image.
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