Zachary's Ball

by Matt Tavares

Book Overview

When his father takes him to his first baseball game, Zachary is amazed by the sights and sounds of Fenway Park. When his father catches a foul ball and gives it to Zachary, something amazing happens - Zachary finds himself playing for the Red Sox.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0763607304
• ISBN13: 9780763607302
• Release Date: March 2000
• Publisher: Candlewick Press (MA)
• Length: 1 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 11.0" x 8.5"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

A must for every child's library

I often read these reviews, but I've never written one before... I got this for my 4 1/2 year old boy and he loves it. I'm not a big baseball fan, but I get choked up every time I read "Zachary' Ball." I've just ordered more copies to have on hand for gifts. The sense of innocence, magic and timelessness remind me of "The Polar Express." I look forward to more from Matt Tavares.

Great!

I, too, was lucky enough to meet the author and view his work before it was published. This book is a modern "Giving Tree," with outstanding illustrations and a delightful story. This talented young author/illustrator will surely develop a faithful following of children and adults alike. Five stars!

A Great Gift

Matt Tavares has put back into the children's book industry a dignity that has been missing for a very, very long time. The illustrations, combined with the timelss story, create a potential collectors item that I will pass onto my two children, in the hopes that they will someday read this, or another future book from this promising young author, to their kids. Give it a try, makes a great gift.

A Magical Book for All Ages!

This is the kind of children's book that comes along rarely (and usually wins awards when it does...). The black-and-white pencil illustrations are astonishing. The young boy's face is literally lit from within -- something that would seem technically impossible with such a simple medium. And the story is pure magic. I gave the book to my husband (a big baseball fan) and he couldn't get past the first page without tears in his eyes, remembering his first visit to Fenway Park. But you don't have to be a baseball fan (or a man!) to cherish this story about a young man and his magic baseball. I highly recommend this book for readers of all ages -- and for anyone who simply appreciates beautiful art. I'm sure we'll be hearing more about this author/illustrator in the months and years to come.

magic at Fenway Park

I have the very great honor of seeing this book before it was published, and meeting the author. He's created a lovely work, which captures in elegant drawings and brief text the magic that childhood can have. There is a timeless quality to the story as well. The storyline is simple and best left as a surprise, but if you are looking for a good book for a young reader, particularly one who loves baseball, you can't go wrong with this book. Fans of Fenway Park will also be quite pleased.