ZACHARY'S BALL by Matt Tavares (Candlewick 2012) combines a bit of fantasy with fan in a story in which Zachary's dad catches a foul ball at Fenway Park. He hands ti to Zachary who is transported to the pitching mound in an actual game. The ball's magic combined with Tavares' magical illustrations in black and white make this a sort of "field of dreams" or "Polar Express" of baseball books for young readers.
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PATH OF STARS by Anne Sibley O'Brien (Charlesbridge 2012) is the story of a multi-generational family. Grandmother, Lok Yeay, comes from Cambodia. She tells her granddaughter, Daya, about her life there and her flight along with her brother to America. Lush illustrations accompany the rhythmic text that helps Daya see the world through her grandmother's eyes. <160>
LOLA READS TO LEO by Anna McQuinn with illustrations by Rosalind Beardshaw (Charlesbridge 2012) pretty much tells the story: Lola and her family love to read. When Baby Leo comes, Lola helps to entertain him including reading aloud to him. <161>
And, of course, there is FANCY NANCY AND THE MERMAID BALLET by Jane O'Connor with illustrations by Robin Glasser (Harper 2012). Nancy loves ballet and hopes for a terrific part in their performance. When she is given the part of a tree, she is less than thrilled. However, knowing Nancy as we do, she will own this part. <162>