NICK PLAYS BASEBALL

Nick and his teammates on the Little League Rockets prepare for a big game. They drill and practice fundamental skills under the direction of their coach, who also reminds them to enjoy themselves. Nick loves baseball so much that he practices at home, plays extra games with the kids in the neighborhood, and dreams of becoming a professional ballplayer. Isadora, continuing in the pattern of earlier books (Lili at Ballet, 1993, etc.), conveys both the discipline and joy of baseball in a fine mix of information and story. The basic rules, equipment, positions, and skills are well defined and explained, while the story provides the action. The layout of the text, in which the story is told in bold, black type and the information in light, gray type, effectively distinguishes between the two elements. Bright watercolor illustrations are carefully crafted to portray the motion of the game. A touch of humor appears in the form of additional tips from the coach, including a warning not to pick flowers in the outfield. A gentle introduction to the National Pastime. (Picture book. 6-9)