MY FIRST BASKETBALL BOOK

This nonfiction board book introduces basketball concepts to the sport’s newest fans.

Bright and appealing photographs are combined with words and phrases to illustrate basketball-related items, actions, and ideas. The words range from the simple, such as “basket,” “shoes,” and “referee,” to the more complex, like “steal,” “defend,” and “rebound.” The photographs are somewhat helpful in defining the terms, but a photograph alone cannot explain a concept like “rebound,” so adults reading this to the board-book crowd should prepare to do as much explaining as their little listeners require. Some tykes may be prompted to ask many questions; others will just be inspired to find the nearest ball and start practicing their shots. Boy and girl children are the featured players in the photographs. The majority appear to be Caucasian, though there is some racial diversity in both the children and adult helpers pictured. Simultaneously published titles on football, baseball, and soccer follow the same format, and the four work well as a set.

These simple, nonfiction titles are a nice way to get little ones interested in sports and excited to give them a try.