Take Me Out to the Yakyu by Aaron Meshon

Take Me Out to the Yakyu by Aaron Meshon. Atheneum, 2013. 40 pages.

Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8

Take Me Out to the Yakyu is a colorful, joyous celebration of two cultures, two grandparents, and baseball. Using symmetrical text and images, Meshon compares and contrasts an outing to a baseball game with a boy’s two different grandfathers: one outing is in America with the American grandfather, and the other is in Japan with the Japanese grandfather. Double-page spreads and single-page spreads alternate: the start of each journey is pictured, followed by the arrival at the two stadia, the shouts and method of cheering in the two cultures, all the way to the concluding spreads showing a very tired, happy little boy going to sleep in two very different places. The vibrant palette helps cue young readers on cultural differences even as the story appears seamless. Fun to read and also informative, readers will learn Japanese words, some tidbits about Japanese culture, and a lot about baseball! Perfect for young baseball fans and their grandparents to enjoy together.

Cautions: none

Overall Rating: 4.25 (out of 5)

• Worldview Rating: 4
• Artistic Rating: 4.5

Categories: Picture Books, Sports, Grandparents, 4 stars and up