The Horn Book Guide

PICTURE BOOKS

Stadler, Alexander

Beverly Billingsly Can't Catch

32 pp. | Harcourt/Silver Whistle | April, 2004 | Trade ISBN 0-15-204906-1 $$16.00

(2) K-3 Brainy friends Beverly and Oliver, tired of being branded "losers" at sports, decide to learn how to play softball. Beverly tries to learn by looking at books, but librarian Mrs. Del Rubio gently redirects her: "Have you ever considered practicing?" Beverly and Oliver work tirelessly until they can demonstrate their new skills to their flabbergasted teammates. The illustrations reveal character and situation simply but effectively.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2004