H Is for Home Run: A Baseball Alphabet (Sleeping Bear Press Sports & Hobbies)

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.

"Even a tired parent will find his or her eyes propped wide open by Herzog's multiple anecdotes for each letter...Even nonbaseball fans with Little Leaguers at home will find plenty to like about Herzog's informative, multilevel alphabet book. They will especially appreciate the book's excellent page design and its realistic artwork by Melanie Rose."
—"Sacremento Bee (Sacremento, CA)" (May 2004)