Ball Park Mysteries 7: The San Francisco Splash by David A Kelly

Mike and Kate are at the game again, this time in San Francisco.  They are out there on the bay hoping to pick up a "splash ball".  Homeruns often get as far as the water.  What they end up saving is not a ball though; it's an ex-baseball player!

This is a Random House Stepping Stone Book that was sent to me for review (thank you).  It has been published and you can snag a copy at your local bookstore.  There are several more in this series, so check those out, too.  It's great for any baseball fan or for boys.

When Mike helps get the older man out of the water, he learns he's a famous player who has played in the world series.  Then they find his series ring is missing.  Did it fall in the bay or was it stolen?

These are easy to read chapter books that have a mystery to solve.  Even if your child is not wild about reading, these might entice them.  Why not give it a try?

Happy reading.

The Wrigley Riddle by David A Kelly

Mike and Kate are back in Ballpark Mysteries #6.  Is there treasure in the ivy?  Someone thinks so.

Random House sent me a copy of this Stepping Stone book to read for review (thank you).  It has been published, so check with your local bookstore for a copy.  

Each mystery is set in a different ballpark.  These are written for ages 6-9 and they are fun to read.  Mike and Kate are always competing against each other.  They each have their own strengths, so they take turns winning.

Baseball was my favorite sport when I was young.  We could play with three people:  batter, pitcher and outfielder.  Sometimes it was impossible to do three bases, so we made do with less.  I do remember how mad my Mom was when we used cow patties for bases and I slid into one while wearing my white Easter dress.  I thought I wasn't going to survive that!

Anyway, that's why these stories amuse me.  They are playing ball on professional fields and solving odd mysteries.  That would have been like my ultimate dream when I was young.

See if you can figure out what folks think is hidden in the ivy and how Kate and Mike figure the mystery out.  It's a good story.

Happy reading.   

The Astro Cowboy by David A Kelly

Have you ever visited the Nasa Space Center?  You should, it's a fantastic place to visit.  Here's some information on it:  Space Center .  The cousins in this story visit there and it is where this mystery begins...

This is a Random House Stepping Stone Book that was shared with me for review (thank you).  It has been published and is the fourth in the Ballpark Mysteries series,  so you can choose from several.  Check them out at your local bookstore.

Mike and Kate visit the Houston Space Center and meet a real astronaut before they go to the Astros game.  They plan to hook up later with Commander Rice at the game, but he doesn't show up to do opening throw.  Commander Rice is not the only missing thing; the moon rock he was carrying is gone, too!

This is written for ages 6-9 and it's a simple mystery that the children solve themselves.  They are clever and smart, which helps a lot.  Why not see if your child can figure out where the moon rock is hidden before you do?

Happy reading.

The L. A. Dodger by David A Kelly

When you go to the ballgame, you want to watch the game, don't you?  You don't want to worry about who else is there and might be stalking your dad...

Random House sent me a copy of this book for review (thank you).  This is a Stepping Stone Book and the third in the Ballpark Mysteries.  The book is currently available at your local bookstore.  If your child loves sports, I'd check out the others in the series, too.

Mike and Kate are cousins and they fly to Los Angeles to visit Kate's dad and see the game.  When they get there, they find that her dad is nervous and upset.  Someone has stolen his computer, he's gotten threatening phone calls, and he knows someone is after his scouting list.  He keeps the info on a small tablet in his pocket.

Mike and Kate find another tablet just like his and create a scheme to catch the thief.  It doesn't go as smoothly as they had expected, though.

The author writes a good realistic tale and the Mr. Meyers illustrations add to the charm of a good sports story.  Why not grab a copy for your young one?

Happy reading.