Football Star ©Best

Following is the entire text of the story. The words in red represent the personalized information.

Joseph Ryan Tailor
Football Star © Best
With Love From,
Uncle John
March 28, 2006

Joseph Ryan Tailor, age 9, from Pittsburgh, PA loved football. His all-time favorite team was the Steelers and he loved to watch the football players in action.
Best of all, the Steelers had made it to the championship, and they were going to play against the Eagles. The game was going to start in a few minutes! Joey was waiting for James, Evan and Joshua to join him in watching the game.

The crowd in the stadium sang the National Anthem, then gave a mighty cheer just as the game was about to start. But Joey was getting sleepy.
"I've just got to stay awake for the championship game." thought Joey as he watched the coin toss. But Joey was really tired, and he slowly fell into a deep sleep.

Then the strangest thing happened. As if by magic, Joey suddenly found himself at the football stadium! The Championship was being played right in front of his eyes!
He heard the loudspeaker. "Attention ladies and gentlemen," the announcer called out. "The Steelers just asked if Joseph Ryan Tailor will join them for this game!"

Joey couldn't believe his luck! The quarterback came up to him and said, "Joey, we need you on the team. If you'll help us out for the rest of the game, we just might be able to win the Championship!"
"I'll do the best I can," Joey said.
The players quickly got Joey into a uniform. Maybe it was a little big, but Joey didn't care. He was actually in a huddle with the Steelers.

Joey joined the Steelers on the line of scrimmage. As he was facing the Eagles, he remembered the quarterback saying to him "I want you to go long and to the right, and then I'm going to pass the ball to you."
"I sure wish James, Evan and Joshua could see me now," thought Joey to himself excitedly.

Joey ran as hard as he could. The ball seemed to sail through the air forever. Joey caught it and ran as fast as he could. The Eagles tried to tackle him, but he was too fast.
The crowd went wild as Joey scored a touchdown.

Later in the game, the score became tied. The quarterback told Joey that the coach wanted to see him.
"Joey, we all know you can catch and run," the coach said. "But if you can kick a field goal, we can win the game."
"I'll try," Joey said with a big smile.

The players ran back out the field. The crowd grew silent.
The ball was snapped. Joey kicked that ball with all his strength. It flew through the air and sailed right over the goal post! Joey had scored the winning points! The Steelers had won the game!
It was like a dream! The other players hoisted Joey above their shoulders and marched him around the football field. Joey heard the loudspeaker announce, "Joseph Ryan Tailor has been chosen the Most Valuable Player today."
The crowd started cheering, " Joey, Joey, Joey..."

"Joey, Joey, Joey. Wake up!" James, Evan and Joshua called. You must have fallen asleep. The game has already started."
"But I was just about to get my trophy for the Most Valuable Player award," Joey murmured as he rubbed the sleep out of his eyes.
"You'll always be the most valuable player around here,"James, Evan and Joshua replied. "Now let's make some popcorn and watch the game!"

Here are samples of some of the illustrated pages.  To read the story, click on the "Read the Story" tab to the left.

• Quality, hard-cover personalized children's book
• Washable hard cover
• Fully illustrated color pages
• 24 pages
• Measures 6" x 9"