Take Me Out to the Ball Game
Lyrics by Jack Norworth
Illustrated by Jim Burke
Introduction by Pete Hamill
Jim Burke's gorgeous period illustrations tie together a double story here. We learn the origin
of a great American classic song: "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" by Jack Norworth, an entertainer
who had never actually been to a game but managed to capture the rabid enthusiasm New
Yorkers had for baseball in 1908. And the book uses the song to highlight fascinating baseball
facts from the period - great ballplayers, the ballpark itself, game winning pitches and
how they were countered. It's a baseball education in a picture book. For young children,
the book works perfectly with the lyrics sung and the illustrations enjoyed - but for
older baseball lovers, the peeks at a bygone time are priceless. I am far from a sports fan,
but even I was caught up in the excitement and timelessness of the game. One of our family's
favorite parts? The sheet music for "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" is printed in the book.
My husband entertained us by playing it on the electric piano - so this book really does
have something for everyone. Truly a home-run hit. |
The Book |
Little, Brown and Company |
March 2005 |
Hardcover Picture book |
0316758191 |
Children's Nonfiction Ages 4 - 8 |
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Excerpt |
NOTE: |
The Reviewer |
Reviewed 2006 |
NOTE: Reviewer Jan
Fields is the editor of Kid Magazine Writers emagazine and has written dozens of
stories and articles for the children's magazine market. |
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