Slugger

K-Gr 2—The expression "slugger" takes on an entirely new meaning in this tale of a slug with a dream of playing ball. Ollie practices relentlessly for a spot on Coach Roach's insect-infested baseball team, and he finally earns his chance during the big game against the Swingin' Stingers. He scoots up to the muddy plate and, predictably, drives home the winning run. Googly-eyed characters don incredulous expressions as they participate in the sport. Pointed references take a humorous stab at some of the greatest players of all time (e.g.,"Mickey Mantis," "Babe Beetle," et al). While the convenient ending lacks drama, Ollie's feverish determination adds some intensity. "Day after day, in wind…and rain…and sweltering sun, he kept at it." The acrylic, pencil, and ball-point-pen illustrations capture the nimble expressions of the animated backyard critters and use pale colors to convey the mass of the crowds. Some of the jokes fall flat ("It was a SLUGGIFEROUS DAY!"), but all in all, Ollie's efforts move the plot along.—Meg Smith, Cumberland County Public Library, Fayetteville, NC