H is for Home Run

August 1, 2004
Gr 1-4-In keeping with the established format of this series, Herzog provides a baseball-related term for each letter of the alphabet. Each page contains the letter in upper- and lowercase as well as an alliterative verse that often makes reading aloud a challenge. The accompanying sidebars, set in a smaller font, provide additional facts for advanced enthusiasts, possibly ESL students-it is difficult to determine the audience for this mixed format. Tricky letters such as U, W, X, and Z are incorporated within the theme more effortlessly than perhaps the Q: "Q is when a base runner/moves at a quick pace./Quietly, he has a quest-/stealing second base." Dramatic, action-packed paintings done from a variety of perspectives capture the energy, personalities, and excitement of the game. Supplemental.-Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA

Copyright 2004 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2004
Alliterative rhymed verse describes one or more baseball-related terms for each letter of the alphabet. The overused, restricted formula results in awkward phrasing and some forced examples (e.g. "K is for kids," "Q is... a quick pace"), and the accompanying explanatory text contains several inaccuracies. Painterly illustrations feature a mix of predominantly male child and adult players.

(Copyright 2004 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)