Friday, March 29, 2013

Baseball Books for Picture Book Friday

I don't know about your house, but in this home we prepare for opening day.  My boys have their fantasy baseball teams selected, our black and orange gear is washed and ready to go and all important games are DVRed!

In honor of the start of baseball season, I thought I would profile some great baseball books for Picture Book Friday.  Hope your kids enjoy them as much as mine and .... GO GIANTS!


Title:       Brothers at Bat

Author:   Audrey Vernick

Target:    Kindergarten - Grade 3

What this book is about:
First imagine having twelve brothers.  Ok, after you have wrapped your arms around that, imagine that all of them play baseball and start a semi-pro team called the Acerras (their last name)  This is the story of a family in the 1930’s who stuck together through war and injuries to pursue their passion for baseball and to support each other.

Why I love this book:
With two baseball loving boys, I always have my eyes peeled for good baseball books.  The illustrations caught my eye first.  They are very clean and retro, which drew me in right away.  Then the story!  A baseball team of brothers is just such a fun premise, and the fact that it is true, makes it all the better!

The author does a great job with this book.  The story is full of fun facts and the way the family supports each other makes it such a feel good book.  Seeing these brothers play for the love of the game is absolutely refreshing.

Who this book is for:
I had to go looking for this book in my son’s room, so I think boys who really enjoy baseball with love this book!

Final thoughts:
Maybe the next book should be a tribute to their mother (did I mention they also had four sisters!)

To purchase this book, click on the following link to connect to Amazon: Brothers at Bat: The True Story of an Amazing All-Brother Baseball Team  A portion of each purchase goes to support this blog.



Title:       B is for Baseball

Author:   Chronicle Books

Target:    Kindergarten - Grade 3

What this book is about:
This is an alphabet book with fun information about the game.  C is for Center Field for example, and helps kids understand the field of play.  K is an abbreviation for strikeout.  Some  associations are simpler like H for Helmet.

Why I love this book:
This book is visually so much fun.  There are a mix of patterns, vintage photos and drawings that will interest even the parent who isn't so much into the game, but has to read the book over and over again.  It absolutely feels like all american fun.

Who this book is for:
This is not a great book for toddlers as some of the baseball terminology is a little more complex.  But kids who are enjoying the game will eat this one up.

Final thoughts:
Fun quiz at the end to see if you were paying attention.  I rocked it!

To purchase this book, click on the following link to connect to Amazon: B Is for Baseball: Running the Bases from A to Z  A portion of each purchase goes to support this blog.


Title:       ABCs of Baseball

Author:   Peter Golenbock

Target:    Grades 1-4

What this book is about:
This is billed as an alphabet book, but really it is a picture book dictionary of baseball definitions.  This book is a step up from Bis for Baseball, and includes definitions such as ERA, Fielder's Choice and Triple Crown.  In the back it also has a section of fun facts.  These include team trivia, baseball awards and the different leagues and the teams that play in them.

Why I love this book:
While the pictures are not as fun as in B is for Baseball, it does provide simple definitions for all the terms that are used in the game.  The illustrations mean that the book never feels overwhelming.  This book is perfect for little leaguers who want to learn more about the "real" game!

Who this book is for:
Because it is an illustrated book of definitions, an older child will enjoy this book.

Final thoughts:
I think that adults will have a fun time going through this book with their kids and helping them understand some of the lingo in the game.

To purchase this book, click on the following link to connect to Amazon: ABCs of Baseball  A portion of each purchase goes to support this blog.

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