Baseball is most certainly America’s favorite past time, so it’s no wonder that so many young children love baseball. Baseball has bred some true heroes for children to look up to, so books that encourage the legacy of baseball and foster a love of the game in children would be a great addition to any collection. Candlewick Press was kind enough to send me four of their newest books that are all baseball-themed, and we loved them all.
1. There Goes Ted Williams: The Greatest Hitter Who Ever Lived by Matt Tavares is about the baseball great, Mr. Williams himself, who was not only a great player for many years, but also a war hero. Ted Williams played for the Red Sox at Fenway Park for a span of 20-something years, but his life was defined by so much more than the game he loved. This book is filled with statistics for the baseball lover, but more biographical in nature with lively, realistic illustrations and the story of a great man’s life and his love for the game. $16.99
2. Chris Crowe’s Just As Good: How Larry Doby Changed America’s Game follows Larry Doby, an African American baseball player back in the 60’s who fought hard for the right to play the sport he loved. The book follows a young African-American boy who see Doby as an inspiration and views him with hopefulness for a change in the future. Doby certainly defined baseball and gave hope to many when things seemed hopeless. This book also very realistically illustrated and follows the true story of Doby through the eyes of a little boy. $16.99
3. In Zachary’s Ball, also by Matt Tavares, a young boy finds magic in a baseball caught by his father and it changes his views of life and baseball. With beautiful, sketch type artwork and an engaging story about a boys’ love of baseball, this book is sure to be a favorite of your little baseball fan. $15.99
4. Finally, Randy Riley’s Really Big Hit is the fictional story by Chris Van Dusen of Randy Riley who is a science nerd who loves baseball, but isn’t very athletic himself. When he realizes Earth is set on a collision course with a fireball, he builds a giant, baseball-playing robot to save them all. This story is adorable, fun, and any child is sure to love it. It is also brightly and wonderfully illustrated, which just adds to the fun. $15.99
You can find all four books at many major book retailers, such as Amazon.com and Candlewick.com.
Thank you to Candlewick Press for providing complimentary product samples for us to base this review upon.
