"Betsy's Day at the Game" by Greg Bancroft and Illustrated by Katherine Blackmore (Review & Giveaway)

It's baseball season, and also time to read a bit about the game! This time around, we'll read Betsy's Day at the Game and see what Betsy and Grandpa are up to.

About the book:  Betsy's Day at the Game is the heartwarming story about family traditions and America's favorite pastime. Betsy loves spending time with her grandfather, especially at the ballpark. Today is another game day, and she is ready to show her grandpa all that she has learned about keeping score. Betsy can keep track of it all--foul balls, home runs, and favorite players--but more exciting things are about to happen at today's game than just what's on her scorecard. The book even includes a full scorecard (with more available online). As John Coy, author of Top of the Order and the 4 for 4 series said, "This book celebrates the ways baseball is passed down through generations. Young fans will connect with Betsy and also learn how to keep score." For parents, grandparents, and especially baseball lovers, what could be better?

My thoughts:  Family dynamics have changed dramatically in the last 50 or 60 years here in America. The ties of generations interacting have diminished or vanished. Respect and love for grandparents and other other relatives has taken a back seat, and we as a nation and world have suffered from this loss.  It is very encouraging to see a charming book that shows a young girl connected so well to her grandfather.  There is most definitely love and respect.  There is the sharing of his knowledge and experience to a granddaughter.  And there is the occasion to experience a much anticipated and welcome day out together.  Now let's actually see a bit into the story....

Betsy and her Grandpa head out to the baseball game and Betsy is delighted to see the amazing ball diamond and stadium.  As the game begins she and Grandpa talk about the team members and their positions, and the way to call a ball, strike, a foul, or out. And how to keep score of each of these events.  Frankly, not being sports minded myself, it was a bit confusing to me. But Betsy and Grandpa seemed to really enjoy themselves doing this.

The game progresses and surprise of surprises! Betsy catches one of the balls!  But that is not the end of the game.  Grandpa insists it isn't over until it's over.  So they stay until the end taking home their happiness and enjoyment with spending the day together, learning about the game, and catching the ball.

A big part of this little book is learning to record and keep score during a baseball game. I found this an interesting concept and one that will appeal to many folks. I found the illustrations lovely and the characters pictured filled with passion for the game.

LINKS OF INTEREST: 

-A short video on scoring by Greg: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xz4RR-UcrNs

-Link to downloadable additional scorecards:  http://betsyscorecard.scarlettapress.com/

Scarletta Kids Publishing is providing a copy for one of Chat With Vera's readers to win. Use the Rafflecopter form to enter. Begins April 20 and ENDS May 6 at 12:01 a.m. EDT. Open to USA residents only.
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Disclosure: Scarletta Kids Publishing provided a complimentary copy of Betsy's Day at the Game in exchange for my honest review. Opinions expressed are solely my own.