Can We Play Baseball Mr. DeMille? by Mark Angelo: #RWYK Certified Great Read – Book Review
Congratulations to Mark Angelo!
Can We Play Baseball Mr. DeMille? is our latest Certified great Read!
LET’S HAVE A LOOK AT THE BOOK BLURB
“A young boy’s love letter to baseball along with a slice of classic Hollywood history”
Set in 1958, a young boy and his friends want to be baseball players just like their Dodger idols. There’s just one problem: they don’t have a field to play in.
Luckily, the kids know a secret. There’s a mansion around the corner with a yard big enough for an entire ball field and the hedge surrounding it has a gap just big enough to crawl through. Apparently, the owner is a big-time Hollywood mogul. He won’t mind a few ball games, right?
This sensational true story of a young boy’s encounter with a Hollywood legend is rich with youthful determination and summer fun, highlighting how every kid needs space to play.
Grab Your Copy From amazon!
About the Author
Mark Angelo has been a baseball fan since he was a little boy! He is also a globally renowned river conservationist and the founder of World Rivers Day, now celebrated by millions of people in over one hundred countries. Among his many accolades, Mark is a recipient of the Order of Canada, the country’s highest honor. His acclaimed debut children’s book, The Little Creek that Could, is the true story of a stream that came back to life. Through his work with groups such as the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC, Mark has been a long-time advocate for outdoor spaces for all to enjoy. Can We Play Baseball, Mr. DeMille?, about a young boy’s search for a place to play ball, recounts an actual experience from his childhood. Mark lives in Burnaby, British Columbia, with his wife, Kathie.Click here to visit Mark’s website – www.canweplaybaseballmrdemille.com
To learn more about his first book, The Little Creek that Could, visit: www.thelittlecreekthatcould.com
HERE’S OUR REVIEW
Step back in time to 1958 with Mark Angelo’s latest picture book titled “Can We Play Baseball Mr. DeMille?”, where the dream of becoming baseball players consumes a young boy and his friends. Eager to emulate their beloved Dodger idols, they face a major obstacle—the lack of a proper field to play on. But a hidden opportunity presents itself in the form of a nearby mansion owned by a prominent Hollywood mogul. The kids stumble upon a secret—a gap in the hedge surrounding the mansion that grants them access to a yard spacious enough for an entire baseball field. Surely, the famous owner wouldn’t mind a few games, would he?
In this captivating and true tale, the story unfolds with youthful determination, adventure, and the joy of summer days filled with fun. It sheds light on the universal need for children to have open spaces where they can freely engage in play. Join the young protagonist as he navigates this remarkable encounter with a Hollywood legend, showcasing the enduring spirit of youth and the quest for a place to call their own.
The story effectively captures the nervousness and determination of the young boy as he seeks a way to pursue his passion. While set in the past, the situation remains relatable and familiar to readers. Baseball fans will appreciate the subtle mentions of recognizable names, without overpowering the story for those who aren’t as familiar with the sport. The presence of the Hollywood mogul adds an atmospheric tension, leaving listeners wondering whether the boy will succeed in his endeavor.
Furthermore, the illustrations complement the story, effectively depicting the time period while maintaining a sense of familiarity. The drawings skillfully capture the emotions of the characters and enhance the storytelling experience.
Final Verdict
Can We Play Baseball Mr. DeMille? is an engaging read-aloud or a book suitable for readers who enjoy a more advanced vocabulary. The narrative flows smoothly, drawing readers into the children’s quest to play baseball. The characters are portrayed naturally, and the age-appropriate vocabulary adds to the authenticity of the story. Importantly, it manages to hold the reader’s interest throughout.
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