Baseball Is...

More than a decade after America Is..., Borden returns with a rosy tribute to the national pastime, this time accompanied by Colón, whose pencil illustrations virtually glow with sunset golds and the lime greens of the outfield. Most of Borden’s verse is dedicated to capturing the sounds, smells, and emotions of the game itself (“Baseball is the scamper of the bat boy/ and the distant shout in the stands:/ ‘Peanuts!’/ ‘Popcorn!’ ”). But the game’s history is also felt, both in inset images that, for instance, show the technology used by announcers past and present, and in detours that honor presidential connections to the game, a trio of players (Ruth, Robinson, and Clemente), and “the minor leagues/ and Little League,/ the talented and long ago Negro Leagues,/ the women’s league.” It’s a warm and passionate ode to the game, whether it’s being played in stadiums or backyards. Ages 7–10. Illustrator’s agent: Morgan Gaynin Inc. (Feb.)