hldavids's review against another edition
4.0
http://web.mnstate.edu/cmc/ComstockHonorBooks2014.cfm#BecomingBabeRuth
Becoming Babe Ruth written and illustrated by Matt Tavares and published by Candlewick, 2013.
Tomato-stealer, inmate, rule-breaker—not necessarily words that immediately come to mind when we think of Babe Ruth. Indeed, Babe Ruth's meteoric rise in baseball came from humble beginnings. In the first part of the 20th century, Babe was indeed a troublemaker and his parents were at their wits' ends. Although not truly an orphan, Babe found himself in a children's home with little to look forward too. Nevertheless, it was at Saint Mary's, this children's home, where Babe met Brother Matthias and was introduced to his destiny: baseball.
The watercolor and pencil illustrations combined with the baseball stats sheets had students commenting on how real and engaging the illustrations were – truly adding to the story.
Matt Tavares has a true gift for humanizing our heroes making us love them even more. As he did in There Goes Ted Williams, Tavares shares some less then savory truths about Babe Ruth. Children ages eight through twelve were fascinated to learn pieces of information about Babe that they had not been exposed to before. Children immediately concluded that a rough start does not necessarily mean a bad end and that one person (Brother Matthias) can make a difference in a young person's life.
From Boston, Matt Tavares is the author and illustrator of several books and illustrator only of several more. Tavares' books frequently earn starred reviews in various publications including School Library Journal, Booklist, and The Horn Book. His books have also garnered numerous awards including the Oppenheim Gold Seal, the Orbis Pictus Award, and the Parents' Choice Gold Award.
Becoming Babe Ruth written and illustrated by Matt Tavares and published by Candlewick, 2013.
Tomato-stealer, inmate, rule-breaker—not necessarily words that immediately come to mind when we think of Babe Ruth. Indeed, Babe Ruth's meteoric rise in baseball came from humble beginnings. In the first part of the 20th century, Babe was indeed a troublemaker and his parents were at their wits' ends. Although not truly an orphan, Babe found himself in a children's home with little to look forward too. Nevertheless, it was at Saint Mary's, this children's home, where Babe met Brother Matthias and was introduced to his destiny: baseball.
The watercolor and pencil illustrations combined with the baseball stats sheets had students commenting on how real and engaging the illustrations were – truly adding to the story.
Matt Tavares has a true gift for humanizing our heroes making us love them even more. As he did in There Goes Ted Williams, Tavares shares some less then savory truths about Babe Ruth. Children ages eight through twelve were fascinated to learn pieces of information about Babe that they had not been exposed to before. Children immediately concluded that a rough start does not necessarily mean a bad end and that one person (Brother Matthias) can make a difference in a young person's life.
From Boston, Matt Tavares is the author and illustrator of several books and illustrator only of several more. Tavares' books frequently earn starred reviews in various publications including School Library Journal, Booklist, and The Horn Book. His books have also garnered numerous awards including the Oppenheim Gold Seal, the Orbis Pictus Award, and the Parents' Choice Gold Award.
libraryrobin's review against another edition
4.0
A kid transcends his bleak beginnings to become a baseball great. Hope-filled story with some positive acts of a guy with a somewhat negative reputation. Excellent illustrations
laura_mcloughlin's review against another edition
3.0
Checked this one out from the library because the almost 5 year old saw it and insisted that they had read it at school (distinct possibility). Would be good for kids learning to read to read on their own. It is a little long for a read-aloud but a perfectly nice (kid-friendly) story about Babe Ruth's childhood and early baseball career.
jshettel's review against another edition
4.0
Great picture book biography focusing on one aspect of Babe Ruth's story from his childhood. Very well done, great notes at the end.
nerfherder86's review against another edition
4.0
Nice look at the childhood of Babe Ruth and how he inspired kids, and gave back to the orphanage where he grew up.
amdame1's review against another edition
3.0
Full color illustrations on each page add to this 40 page biography about baseball great Babe Ruth. Lots of details about his childhood and how his father left him at a boys school when he was only 7 years old. While there, he was heavily influenced by a baseball playing monk and even when he made it to the big leagues, he never forgot where he came from.
Also included: author's note, bibliography, Babe Ruth's stats, and an index.
Also included: author's note, bibliography, Babe Ruth's stats, and an index.
booksandbosox's review against another edition
4.0
http://librarianosnark.blogspot.com/2013/08/picture-book-saturday.html
beecheralyson's review against another edition
5.0
I really like Matt Tavares' style of biographical picture books on famous baseball players. Will there be another one next year?
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