Take Me Out to the Ballgame [Hardcover]

Jack Norworth (Author), Alec Gillman (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 31, 1992 | Age Level: 4 and up

A visual salute to the song that has become an anthem to our national pastime, baseball. Readers will recognize Jackie Robinson, Cookie Lavagetto, Spec Shea, and other renowned Yankee and Dodger players and fans. For everyone who loves a ballgame, here's a home run! A new arrangement of the classic song is included. Full color.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Gillman scores a solid hit with this spirited rendition of the familiar ballpark song in a sensational picture book that skillfully conjures up the smell of peanuts, popcorn and sweaty uniforms. Norworth's tune itself is secondary to the details included in Gillman's nostalgia-filled paintings of the 1947 World Series between the Brooklyn Dodgers and the New York Yankees at Ebbets Field. As in a wordless picture book, the illustrations tell the story right down to the final "three strikes, you're out" as the Dodgers lose the game. Gillman has provided readers with plenty of absorbing and ingenious details--from his baseball card self-portrait on the jacket flap to the action-filled paintings of Jackie Robinson, announcer Red Barber and the members of the "Sym-Phony," a raggle-taggle band of Dodger fans who heckled umpires with their rendition of "Three Blind Mice." A lively, well-researched four-page addition to the text explains both the background of the song and the characters who appear in it. An exciting view of history and an intriguing book of baseball trivia combined, this "Ballgame" will be met with resounding cheers. All ages. Children's BOMC selection.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

PreS Up-- Baseball lovers of all ages will enjoy the big, bold, pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations that accompany and elucidate Norworth's famous chorus. To illustrate the well-known song, Gillman has chosen the fifth game of the 1947 World Series, played in Brooklyn between the Dodgers and the Yankees. The crowds arrive at Ebbets Field; peanuts and Cracker Jack are bought by a couple of lively boys; a band plays; and the stands are filled with cheering, shouting fans. Jackie Robinson takes his turn at bat; Red Barber announces the game; and then, in the bottom of the ninth, Cookie Lavagetto strikes out and the Dodgers lose. The music, the complete lyrics, information on the early days of the ``Trolley Dodgers,'' Ebbets Field, and the 1947 Series are appended. Full of nostalgia, excitement, and a good bit of sports history, this celebration of America's national pastime is sure to be a winner.
- Shirley Wilton, Ocean County College, Toms River, NJ
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers (October 31, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0027359913
• ISBN-13: 978-0027359916
• Product Dimensions: 0.5 x 10.5 x 10.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,410,400 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great song book for wide age levels, November 29, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Take Me Out to the Ballgame (Aladdin Picture Books) (Paperback)

I thoought the Horn Book review was rough on this delightful picture book. My children have loved it from toddlerhood-- especially because we can "sing" our way through it (and sing over and over if the page turning pace is fast, slow, etc-- it doesn't matter). There is plenty of detail and nostalgia in the careful illustrations-- also a hit with Nana! And it depicts black and white fans side by side, with nods to Jackie Robinson. The end notes are fascinating too. Enjoy!

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The illustrations really make the song come to life., September 22, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Take Me Out to the Ballgame (Hardcover)

The illustrations is this book are so good that they made me love baseball even more than before. My 2 year old sings the song all of the time now. I wanted to buy the hard cover version after checking it out of the library, but I can't since it's out of print.

1.0 out of 5 stars Cheaply Made!, January 5, 2011

By 

christischu - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Take Me Out to the Ballgame (Aladdin Picture Books) (Paperback)

The book was very cheaply made. When I opened for the first time, the binding came undone and came apart from the cover. The book is all geared for the Dodgers, which is fine, but I thought it was more general. Was very disappointed since I was giving it as a gift.