Jack at Bat

January 1, 2020

K-Gr 2-Jack the rabbit is back, and this time he's on a baseball team. When The Lady Town Ladies are down by four runs in the last inning, it's up to Jack to pinch hit and win the game-if he can follow the rules. As in previous installments, Jack's antics once again cross the line from simple mischief to borderline malice, as he steals snacks and equipment, and refuses to follow instructions. Kids will certainly find these instances hilarious, but some parents may be less than amused. Regardless, the text does a great job repeating sight words and phrases for repetition practice and phonic awareness, and at 80 pages, also gently introduces the idea of chapters and plot points to the very early reader set. Pizzoli's trademark style is a home run as usual; his simple character design feels childlike and relatable, while his lack of detail and background keeps the focus on the story and developing reading skills. VERDICT Great for "Elephant and Piggie" fans.-Peter Blenski, Hartland Public Library, WI

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2020
We first meet Jack, a baseball-capped rabbit, as he waves hello, munches on snacks, and--swipes a woman's purse?! This initial encounter in Hi, Jack! sets the tone for the first four installments of Barnett and Pizzoli's easy-reader series: a roller coaster of sour and sweet moments for Jack, his dog friend Rex, and the nameless Lady. (Once he returns her purse. And her lipstick.) Jack makes trouble wherever he goes, from the baseball field (Jack at Bat) to outer space (Jack Blasts Off!), and the direct-address narration instructs him to mend his ways (in a not-always-constructive manner: "Jack, you are bad. You are a bad Jack. A bad, bad Jack"). Barnett makes creative use of a limited and largely decodable vocabulary for comedic effect, which invites beginners to read with expression and confidence. Pizzoli's illustrations, full of bold outlines and saturated colors, amplify the energy and dynamism in each story line. The text and illustrations work in tandem, sharing the weight of the narrative and blurring the lines between the picture book and easy reader genres while conforming to the physical specifications of the latter. This series promises an energetic romp through the good, the bad, and the bunny.

(Copyright 2020 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)