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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
More at Amazon.com
Excerpt
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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.
© 2006 MyShelf.com