Children’s Books reviewed by Andrea Dochney of the Oakland Pubic Library
If You’re Hoppy
By: April Sayre
With a cover featuring some springtime staples, If You’re Hoppy encourages readers to mimic various animal movements from hopping to growling. The illustrations are straightforward and fun as they depict animals in various activities. A great book to read aloud, the text promotes movement which works well for listeners who have trouble sitting still.
Play Ball, Jackie!
By: Stephen Krensky
Spring means baseball season, which also evokes the anniversary of Jackie Robinson’s major league debut. Play Ball, Jackie! takes the reader back to April 15, 1947 when a father brought his son to watch Jackie Robinson play. The story addresses racial prejudices and the importance of Robinson’s pioneering day. In addition to presenting the story of racial integration, the illustrations depict the sentiment of the day beautifully. Joe Morse’s pictures engage the reader and highlight the tension between Jackie, the crowd and the main characters.
Quacky Baseball
By: Peter Abrahams
This baseball tale, geared towards younger readers, depicts the story of Thumby Duckling. Thumby fears he will strike out but he just may save the day! The bright and colorful pictures will endear readers to the story. The book is a perfect way to extend the days spent on the baseball field with an evening story to share.
This is the Game
By: Diane Shore
A rhyming ode to the nation’s pastime, This is the Game presents aspects and scenes from the sport. The book features the origins of the sport to notable standouts like Babe Ruth and Jackie Robinson. The verses read like poetry which, when combined with the striking and colorful illustrations, will entertain any reader.
Splat the Cat: Where’s the Easter Bunny?
By: Rob Scotton
An Oakland Public Library favorite, Splat the cat is back with a springtime Easter adventure. A lift-the-flap tale tells Splat’s attempt to find the Easter Bunny. Geared towards younger readers than in Splat’s other adventures, the illustrations emotions and expressions will capture readers and (if they don’t already) help them fall in love with Splat the cat.