Spring titles show us how to find the joy in everything we do.
The Kid from Diamond Street: The Extraordinary Story of Baseball Legend Edith Houghton
By Audrey Vernick
Illustrated by Steven Salerno
Best for: Ages 4-7
Can you imagine a 10-year-old playing professional baseball? What if that kid were a girl? Edith Houghton did just that in the 1920s. At 10 years old, Edith not only made the roster for the Philadelphia Bobbies, she was the starting shortstop. This all-girls team comprised mostly older teens and 20-something women. At 13 years old, Edith traveled with the Bobbies to Japan where they played against male teams, “winning more than they lost.”
While most of the story is told from a third person perspective, quotes from Edith sprinkle the text. This touch gives the book a truly authentic voice that expresses Edith’s love and excitement of the game better than any biographer could.
What’s good: Historical information and photos included after the story make the accomplishment much more real for young readers.
What’s bad: Would like to have seen some game scenarios included in the story.
Mouse Scouts
By Sarah Dillard
Best for: Ages 7-10
In this new series from Dillard, Violet and Tigerlilly begin their journey as Acorn Scouts. In the first book they join other Scouts in learning the Acorn salute, Acorn pledge and begin their first badge for gardening. Whether they are gathering seeds or fighting off pests, they learn that determination and hard work are essential to creating a thriving garden and fulfilling the Scout’s mission. Pencil illustrations draw you into the emotion of the scene, while excerpts from the Scout handbook offer humor and keep the story moving along. Fans of Junie B. Jones will enjoy this new series and look forward to reading about each badge.
What’s good: Good strong characters and humor are well suited for new readers.
What’s bad: The vocabulary sometimes gets a little advanced for new readers.
Duck & Goose: Let’s Dance
By Tad Hills
Song by Lauren Savage and Ron Gruet
Best for: Ages 3-7
Duck and Goose are back in this wonderfully fun board book. Get your young ones up and dancing along with Duck and Goose as they jump, waggle their tail feathers and shake their bodies. It’s easy to let go of your inhibitions as you help your children learn to sing and dance. Tad Hills uses simple, bright colors and an economy of lines to create a wealth of emotions. Small children will fall in love with Duck and Goose. In this special book you also can learn the lyrics of the Duck and Goose song and download a free copy at DuckAndGooseSong.com. It’s a great addition for any nursery or toddler’s collection.
What’s good: Highly engaging text encourages children to interact with Duck and Goose.
What’s bad: Although Duck and Goose are exhausted at the end, your children will likely be.