Take Me Out to the Ballgame

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 DVR'ed!

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

To see my full selection of picture books for Opening Day (which, for those not into baseball, is 1:10 p.m. Monday at Dodger Stadium), visit my website at www.onegreatbook.com

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 mind around that, imagine that all of them play baseball and start a semi-pro team called the Acerras (their last name). This is the true story of a family in the 1930s 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!)