Take Me Out to the Ball Game    by Jack Norworth, Amiko Hirao & Carly Simon Order:  USA  Can Charlesbridge, 2011 (2011) Hardcover     Reviewed by Bob Walch This book is all about the vibrant illustrations of Amiko Hirao that picture a group of animals taking to the diamond for a spirited baseball game. Katie Casey, a hardball loving feline, is rooting on the home team at Sluggers Stadium. With the score tied 2-2, Katie gets the crowd to sing an old classic, Take Me Out to the Ball Game, to spark the home team. Does it work? You'll have to read the book to see! Included with this volume is a CD that features three songs sung by Carly Simon: I Gave My Love a Cherry, Scarborough Fair and, of course, Take Me Out to the Ball Game. What the first two songs have to do with the story line isn't clear but no matter. Ms. Simon is easy to listen to and all her music is pretty cool. The real attraction here, though, is not the text or bonus CD but the art work. It jumps right off the page and demands that you get into the swing of this spirited ball game. When elephant comes roaring down the baseline from third with the game in the balance and a play at the plate, you know there's going to be a huge roar from the stands if he is safe! Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Kids books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews