Smarty Marty's Got Game

First-time children's book author Gutierrez brings her background as a reporter for the San Francisco Giants and her evident enthusiasm for the game of baseball to this story about two siblings' day at the ballpark. Marty (named in honor of Gutierrez's baseball-loving grandmother) is excited to teach her less-than-enthusiastic younger brother, Mikey, the ins and outs of the game. As she does so, readers get an education in baseball terminology ("Hitters one and two are %E2%80%98table-setters.' Their job is to get on base"), scoring, strategies, and slang ("Grab some pine, Meat!" shouts Marty after a player strikes out). Marty's excitement never wavers, even when Mikey tests her patience. "Bunting is silly," Mikes says at one point. "Marty's eyes went wide, and she took a deep breath. %E2%80%98Bunting,' she said, %E2%80%98is actually very important.' " McCauley (Take Me to Your BBQ) composes dynamic scenes of ballpark action with a palette of outfield green, basepath tan, and%E2%80%94of course%E2%80%94Giants orange; a portion of sales benefit the nonprofit Junior Giants. An enlightening and entertaining intro to the national pastime. Ages 4%E2%80%938. (Oct.)