Paradise
Found: Big Dreams, First Kick

One brave step. One magical dream. One first kick.

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By Eileen Lubore · Illustrated by Diego Chavez

Book cover of Paradise Found: Big Dreams, First Kick by Eileen Lubore, illustrated by Diego Chavez

Book highlights

Ages 7–12

A read-aloud treasure

Interactive Activities

Maps, stats, and fun soccer facts

Dragons & Soccer

Magic meets the field

Courage & Kindness

A heartfelt message

Book cover of Paradise Found: Big Dreams, First Kick by Eileen Lubore, illustrated by Diego Chavez
The Story

Meet Owen

Owen would rather read about dragons than chase a soccer ball. Too shy to join in, he watches every game from the sidelines — until one magical dream changes everything. Guided by Captain Ben and a sky full of soccer-playing dragons, Owen learns that courage isn't about roaring the loudest. It's about taking one brave step and joining the team.

“You don't have to roar or spit fire to be brave. You just have to participate.”

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A Peek Inside

Gorgeous watercolor illustrations by Diego Chavez

Watercolor illustration of shy Owen taking his first brave step toward a glowing golden dragon
Owen takes his first brave step
Illustration of Owen meeting soccer captain Ben on a magical dream-realm soccer field
Owen meets Captain Ben in the dream realm
Illustration of the Firekeeper, a mighty dragon guarding the field with a flaming soccer ball
The Firekeeper — guardian of the field
Illustration of Sarasota Paradise fans and players celebrating together at a soccer match
When the community comes together
Young Sarasota Paradise soccer players — empowering the next generation

Inspired by a Community

“To the Sarasota Paradise soccer family: Thank you for lighting up the field with your passion and commitment. This book is dedicated to you, for creating a home where every fan — big and small — can feel welcomed, inspired, and part of the game.”

Portrait of Eileen Lubore, author of Paradise Found: Big Dreams, First Kick

Eileen Lubore

Author & Storyteller

About the Author

The Heart & Pen Behind Owen

“I write books as the visions appear in my heart and soul.”

Eileen Lubore is a local Sarasota author who writes stories as the visions appear in her heart and soul, spanning imaginative children's adventures to real-life experiences. A writer since her early teenage journaling days, Eileen was born in Oak Lawn, Illinois, raised in Maryland, and earned her master's degree in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago.

She is also the author of four other children's books: The Legend of The Freckled Finn, Sugar's Travels: The Festival of Lights, Sugar's Travels: Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, and coming soon, Sugar's Travels: The Camel Cup Classic. Finding Nana's Shadow—written as a heartfelt tribute to her mother—offers families a gentle way to understand Alzheimer's in a different light.

Eileen is a proud grandmother of five with a sixth on the way, who finds joy in taking the road less traveled, long walks on the beach collecting seashells, and spending time with her husband, Scott, and their family.

When she isn't writing, you can frequently find Eileen right where she loves to be: cheering loudly in the stands alongside the incredible families of the Sarasota Paradise Soccer Community. As a passionate fan of the game, her deep connection to the team and its young athletes inspired her 5th published book, Paradise Found: Big Dreams, First Kick.

Also by Eileen Lubore

Portrait of Diego Chavez, illustrator of Paradise Found: Big Dreams, First Kick

Diego Chavez

Illustrator

About the Illustrator

The Artist Behind Owen's World

Diego is the illustrator of Paradise Found, Big Dreams, First Kick, a story about a shy young boy who finds the courage to take his first big kick—and first big step—after watching from the sidelines.

A lifelong lover of art, Diego nurtured his passion throughout his school years, frequently sketching and illustrating as a creative outlet after soccer training. Years later, he brought those passions together to help bring this story to life through vibrant illustrations centered on courage, community, and self-belief.

Deeply inspired by the Sarasota Paradise soccer community, the book was conceived after Eileen attended matches and envisioned a story celebrating the club's positive impact on and off the pitch. Diego is proud to have helped turn that vision into reality.

Ready for the Adventure?

Join Owen on a journey of courage, dragons, and the beautiful game.

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