ELMER AND THE CHICKENS VS. THE BIG LEAGUE

Little Elmer's big brother keeps promising to take him to see a baseball game, but somehow it never happens. One day after his brother has gone off to play with his team, Elmer comes up with a creative alternative: He tells the chickens they're on his side, imagines a stadium full of fans, and pitches a heroic game against the likes of Ty Cobb, who hits what surely would have been a homer if Elmer hadn't caught it. In lively, cartoon-style illustrations, Stevenson captures the cheerful farmyard and its transformation as Elmer's imagination takes hold. Not especially unusual among the growing number of books that seek to foster dramatic play by example, but the ballplaying theme will appeal to young listeners or readers who can't wait to be old enough for Little League. (Picture book. 4-7)