Grandmas at Bat (I Can Read Book 2) [Paperback]

Emily Arnold McCully (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 3, 1995 | Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up | Series: I Can Read Book 2

In this quirky duo’s third adventure, the Grandmas pitch in to help when Pip’s regular baseball coach contracts the chicken pox. But the trouble is, neither of them know beans about the game. ‘A double-threat winner, combining the humor of the two grandmas with enough play-by-play description to gladden the hearts of young baseball fans.’ –– H.‘Baseball action and amusingly caricatured grandmas are deftly drawn.’ –– K.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-3-- The squabbling grandmothers who appeared in McCully's The Grandma Mix-Up (1988) and Grandmas at the Lake (1990, both HarperCollins) here agree to fill in as substitute coaches for Pip's Little League team. The pair have plenty of ideas about conducting a practice, but are both disappointed when the Stings strongly suggest that they sit on the bench and watch. At the big game the following Saturday, the Grandmas figure out how to get a piece of the action--as cheerleaders. They yell and wave pompoms and their confidence in the team inspires a comeback victory as the Stings win the game "for the grandmas." The illustrations present humorous images of two very different women; Grandma Sal is cozy and homespun, while Grandma Nan is slim and stylish. The only thing this unlikely duo ever agree upon is their unflagging affection for their granddaughter. An easy-reading sports story with bright, appealing artwork and a lot of spirit.
- Luann Toth, School Library Journal
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Kirkus Reviews

From the new Caldecott medalist, a third ``I Can Read'' book about Pip and her squabbling grandmas. The Stings' coach has chickenpox--and unless Pip and her team come up with a substitute, they won't be allowed to play. Both grandmas volunteer; their constant bickering and mutual competing almost prevents the Stings from practicing, until one kid complains, ``Your Grandmas are driving us bananas!'' and another points out that ``The coaches are hogging the field!'' Finally leaving the team in peace, the grandmas find another way to help: at the big game, it's their cheerleading that spurs the Stings to victory. Baseball action and the amusingly caricatured grandmas are deftly drawn; best, the funny, true-to-life dialogue is sure to entertain beginning readers. (Easy reader. 5-8) -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Paperback: 64 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins (March 3, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0064441938
• ISBN-13: 978-0064441933
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,852,210 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Emily Arnold McCully was born left handed in Illinois and was transplanted to Long Island, where she grew up. A tree climber, bike rider, fort builder and ball player, she also devoted hours every day to reading and drawing. She majored in art history at college and acted and wrote for the theater. She lived in Europe for a year researching her Master's thesis, also in art history. Back in New York, she took to the streets with a portfolio of sample illustrations. Early assignments were for book jackets, magazine stories and pharmaceutical ads. A poster displayed in subway cars caught the attention of a children's book editor and a new career was launched. After illustrating other peoples' texts for several years and publishing two adult novels (A Craving and life Drawing) McCully began writing her own picture books.
She has been awarded the Caldecott Medal, Christopher Award, Jane Addams Award, O'Henry Award and many others.
She has two sons and lives in New York and Columbia County, N.Y., where she maintains a large garden.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Grandmas At Bat!, March 12, 2003

By 

Amanda (Bay City, MI, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Grandmas at Bat (I Can Read Book 2) (Paperback)

In this Grandma Sal and Grandma Nan story, Pip's baseball coach is sick and if the team does not find a new coach, they will not be able to play in the big game on Saturday! Grandma Nan overhears Pip talking on the phone with his best friend, Ski about the big game.
"I can coach!" states Grandma Nan.
"I can too!" says Grandma Sal.
Both grandmas will coach together they decide. At practice, the grandmas are how they usually are. Grandma Nan is too strict, but Grandma Sal is too laid back. The Stings, Pip's team, are all bothered by the grandma's arguments and ways of coaching.
At the big game, the Stings are losing and Pip tells the grandmas that they need to play on their own, without the help of coaches. The Stings continue to lose and Grandma Nan and Grandma Sal agree that they must do something to help the team.
I can't tell you what they do, for that will give away the ending, but it is silly, like always! I love the grandma stories! They are so fun. I would recommend this story to beginners at reading. It is easy to comprehend, but definitely not boring.