by Lorie Lewis Ham

As we find ourselves in the middle of baseball season, it seemed a good time to review a fun local children’s picture book about baseball, TimeOut’s Great Baseball Adventure. This book was written by local KPGE sportscaster George Takata and illustrated by Fresno State student Marci Thiessen; which is appropriate since it is about Fresno State baseball.

The subtitle of the book is How Fresno State’s Favorite Bulldog Helped the Diamond Dogs Win the College World Series. This children’s book tells the story of the Fresno State baseball team’s spectacular victory at the 2008 College World Series. This true story is told through the eyes of a bulldog named TimeOut as he follows the team on TV, game by game, and is sad when they lose and happy when they win—but ever faithful. In the end, TimeOut is excited that his team has won and he gets to take part in the winning parade. This is a fun way for kids to learn a little local sports history and get excited about a local baseball team using very colorful illustrations and the facts of the College World Series told in simple easy to understand language.

This book was published in February of 2011 by Fresno publisher Craven Street Books (check out our article about Linden Publishing—their parent company, here in KRL). TimeOut’s Great Baseball Adventure is for sale at The Bulldog Shop, 1794 East Barstow Ave in Fresno. It can also be ordered online at TimeOutBook.com.

Watch for reviews of more of Linden’s books over the next few months.

Lorie Lewis Ham is our Editor-in-Chief and an enthusiastic contributor to various sections, coupling her journalism experience with her connection to the literary and entertainment worlds. Explore Lorie’s mystery writing at Mysteryrat’s Closet.