Matt Christopher's Football Jokes and Riddles

June 1, 1996
Gr 3-5-The title of this short compilation is somewhat deceiving, as the book includes funny anecdotes from baseball history, references to players' unusual names or nicknames, and some jokes and riddles. The jokes, mostly dialogues, are largely unsuccessful: "Catcher: You look a little nervous out there today.' Pitcher: Whenever I pitch against the Cubs, I just can't bear it.' " The anecdotes, however, contain the sort of goofy bits of trivia that have sustained baseball fans for years. Adding to the presentation are Vasconcellos's pen-and-ink cartoons, with a particularly effective frog in the outfield snaring a fly ball. This volume seems somewhat slapped together, but Christopher's popularity should keep it from collecting dust on the shelf.-Todd Morning, Schaumburg Township Public Library, IL

April 1, 1996
Gr. 2^-4, younger for reading aloud. Although billed as a joke and riddle book, this is also full of snippets of interesting baseball lore. For instance, in 1985 Bert Campaneris made baseball history by playing all nine positions--in one game! These brief anecdotes are what set the book above the usual riddle compilations. Clever pen-and-ink drawings add to the fun. ((Reviewed April 1, 1996))(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 1996, American Library Association.)