Jason and the Baseball Bear

Grade 3-6-- Jason Munson is the only fourth-grade ballplayer on the Apaches, but he rides the bench--until his batting average shoots sky high, thanks to the coaching advice of his friend Whitney, a polar bear at the city zoo. Whitney has made himself a baseball maven by collecting baseball cards and reading the sports pages of newspapers he has rescued from the trash. Among Whitney's companions are a Shakespeare-spouting gnu, a hissing but harmless python, and a rambunctious gorilla. Only Jason can communicate with this eccentric menagerie, but it isn't long before the secret of his baseball success gets out; he then worries that Whitney won't be able to attend the climactic game between his team and their arch rivals. Little Leaguers may enjoy this amusing fantasy, but more demanding readers may find the outcome less than surprising. There are a number of witty touches, however, such as the gnu's pep talk to the team before the big game (translated by Jason), in which he invokes the Gettysburg Address to spur the Apaches on to victory. While not destined to be a baseball classic, the book is entertaining. --James Witham, Lexington Public Library, KY
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Fourth-grader Jason benefits from the training tips of a large, furry baseball coach--who gives new meaning to a team of Bruins. Ages 7-11.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.