Review by Booklist Review
Do you have an eager T-baller who doesn't know what it means to call up a southpaw from the bullpen with the pennant on the line? Then test the waters of your potential fan with this lighthearted entry. Admittedly, dividing information, gear, terminology, and so on into alphabetical sections may not be the clearest method of introducing the game, and the net cast by sports journalist Golenbock is maddeningly large and haphazardly employed. Why are the Babe and Alexander Cartwright the only people to merit dedicated entries? And, in a book filled with facts, is this really an appropriate J entry? Joy: What you feel watching the game. These quibbles aside, baseball is loaded with fun jargon to decipher (can of corn, hot corner), and Andreasen's wistful, color-faded illustrations of anonymous players in action and sports ephemera (baseball cards, Cracker Jack) give things a summery, nostalgic tone. Golenbock hits for the win in the bottom of the ninth: the back matter, filled with fun facts, pitch grips, awards, stats, and more, shines.--Kraus, Daniel Copyright 2010 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Golenbock defines several baseball terms and phrases for each letter of the alphabet, the entries and their definitions appearing in trim sidebars that let Andreasen's artwork take center stage. Figures like Babe Ruth and Alexander Cartwright ("The man who invented baseball") are mentioned alongside terms like "bases loaded," "fielder's choice," "line drive" and "southpaw," which all receive brief definitions. Andreasen offers muted images of players batting, sliding into base, and pitching, as well as scenes of families enjoying games together and nostalgic still-lifes of well-worn uniforms, pennants, and other memorabilia. While there are a few weak entries (such as "questions" and "quotations" for Q), this is a soft-tempo and fairly comprehensive guide for fans looking to hone their baseball vocabulary. Additional baseball facts including stats, awards, teams, and trivia appear in appended pages. Ages 6-8. (Feb.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 3-This picture book presents an A-to-Z look at the sport that will be paged through again and again. Golenbock gives readers clear concise one- or two-sentence explanations with multiple entries per letter, such as "A is for "Ace," "America's Pastime," "April," "Around the horn," and "At bat"; R includes "RBI" (Run Batted In), "Relief Pitcher," "Retired number," and "Rookie." Andreasen's painterly artwork enhances the text with baseball scenery and detailed close-ups of expressive faces. Weaker letters such as X ("Looks like the stitches in your glove") and Y ("Y'er out!") are nonetheless beautifully illustrated. The added background matter in "Fun Facts" gives readers intricate drawings of hands showing pitch grips and a baseball diamond and a chart listing both American and National League teams. Adults and group leaders wanting to clarify some essential rules and phrases for young fans can enjoy this handsome addition to their baseball repertoire.-Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
This is an unusual alphabet book in that it lists numerous examples for each letter. For example, B lists twelve items, from Babe to bunt. A brief definition is included for each term, giving the reader a broad overview of the vocabulary and an understanding of baseball. Muted illustrations enhance the book, and an addendum extends the concise test. (c) Copyright 2012. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
(Informational picture book. 5-9)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
