Diamond Life

Publishers Weekly

Just in time for spring training, Smith (Rimshots; Hoop Queens) offers up an irrepressible, visually bold paean to everything baseball. As with his previous books, each spread bears an evocative title and showcases an impressionistic, color-saturated photo-in this case, from Little League play. The typography often seems as rowdy as a hometown crowd. In "Hear That Sound?!" a baseball is seen at the moment it tips into a fielder's glove (the batter's shadow appears on the ground), while on the opposite page, a stack of onomatopoeia in an array of type sizes and colors explodes off a bright yellow background-"Pop!/ Scratch/ Whiff!/ Whack!/ Whooooosh!" Other poems' pacing and banter capture specific positions on the field: "Diamond Vision" takes the calm, watchful perspective of a catcher ("From behind the mask/ my eyes do see/ the game unfold/ in front of me"), while the pitcher narrates in a rapid-fire rap-style in "What's My Name?" ("They call me/ The Dominator/ Mound Intimidator,/ Missile Throwing/ High and Tight/ Strike Activator"). The book isn't quite a home run, however. The dense copy blocks in a number of poems plus the hyperkinetic type may eventually try readers' patience. But for youngsters who can think of little else once baseball season starts, this may be almost as satisfying as knocking one out of the park. All ages. (Mar.) Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

Children's Literature

What a pleasant surprise when I read this book and realized it was actually a poetic version of America's favorite pastime of baseball. The poetry is unique in that much of it consists of one-liner thoughts that manage to give advice, explanations, and an insight into the feelings of baseball players. For example, "Listen kid...Hit'em where they ain't. Practice patience. The game ain't over 'till it's over." Great vivid words are found throughout the book—" batta, batta-batta-batta-batta- battaaaaaaaaaa, Crack, Bye-Bye, The Super-Split Finger, and Missile Throwing." Colored photographs are included on each page and even they are distinctive in style. This is not a "how to" book but rather a book of feelings, emotions, and one that young players will identify with and older individuals will have memories about. At the end of the book, the author thoughtfully includes a page entitled "Baseball and Me" and he explains what made him write a book like this. The book is energetic, fun to read aloud, great to look at, and, most of all, a book that will touch your heart. All school and home libraries need to add this to their collections. 2004, Orchard Books, Ages 4 up.
—Kathie M. Josephs

School Library Journal

Gr 2-5-Smith captures the colorful language and vivid images of the game: "Hey batta-batta-batta-batta-battaaaaaaa!- Show me something batta. Put me to work.- My feet are falling asleep out here" ("Waiting Game"). The author is especially skilled at creating shaped poems, like "There it Goes!!" which mimics the arc of the ball on its way from the pitcher to the batter. "Diamond Vision" is shaped like a baseball diamond and "To the Moon" like a baseball. The energetic, playful language begs to be read aloud. Combined with bright colors, bold print in a variety of fonts, and exceptional photography, this book is a winner.-Lee Bock, Glenbrook Elementary School, Pulaski, WI Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews

In previous works Smith has extolled the virtues of basketball; here he turns his attention to baseball. See the game from behind the catcher's mask. Hear the "pop, scratch, whiff, and whack" of the ball, bat, and glove in intimate contact. Say those wonderfully evocative baseball phrases like, "swing for the fences," and "hit 'em where they ain't." Read about the braggart "dominator" who strikes out, and the wonderful excuses like, "the second baseman tripped me." There is also the poignant moment when the father can no longer play catch with his son. Although some of the pieces are not strictly poetry, they read with a poetic flow and rhythm. Smith's keen ear is matched by his sharp eye. Many of the color photographs are close-ups that focus on a particular action. The graphic presentation of the text highlights the key words and gives them motion. A sheer delight for every fan. (Poetry. 7-10)