Little Rhino #1: My New Team

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

A new chapter book series from Major League Baseball's 2006 National League MVP, Ryan Howard!Every day when Little Rhino comes home from school, he finishes his homework, grabs his bat, his glove, and runs outside to meet Grandpa James. They always practice catching and hitting in the backyard. Playing baseball with grandfather is Little Rhino's favorite thing to do, especially when he pretends to be a real Major League homerun hitter.One afternoon, after a long day of second grade, Little Rhino comes home to find out that Grandpa James has signed him up for a baseball league! Little Rhino will finally be a part of a team! But Little Rhino will quickly learn that is not always so easy to a good teammate, especially when there's a bully wearing the same uniform as you.From Major League Baseball superstar Ryan Howard and his wife, Krystle Howard, a former elementary school teacher, this exciting new series is a fun read for sports and book fans alike!

Reviews provided by Syndetics

Publishers Weekly Review

Ryan Howard, a first baseman for the Philadelphia Phillies, and his wife, Krystle, make a fine team of their own in this first book in the Little Rhino series, inspired by Ryan's childhood. Second-grader Rhino loves baseball and dreams of going pro, but the presence of class bully Dylan on his current team is making his life difficult. Rhino's devoted grandfather and older brother trot out shopworn advice about ignoring bullies or turning them into friends, but the authors wisely resist an unrealistically tidy ending. Instead, Rhino gradually learns the benefits of being a good friend both to peers who are receptive (like his quiet buddy Cooper) and to those whose attitudes are slow to improve, like Dylan. Readers will find it easy to share in Rhino's frustrations and triumphs. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 7-10. (Jan.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

School Library Journal Review

Gr 1-4-In this new chapter book series, third-grader Ryan, who prefers to be called Rhino, loves baseball. He plays catch and practices hitting as often as he can with his grandfather. While at school, he and his best friend, Cooper, join a new lunch table where they also get to talk about dinosaurs. Rhino loves learning facts and then sharing them with his friends. One day Grandpa James signs him up for a little league baseball team, and Rhino couldn't be more excited. Then, he finds out that the meanest boy in his class is on the same team. Dylan takes every opportunity to belittle Rhino at school, in the neighborhood, and at practice. Rhino has some tough decisions to make about how to respond to Dylan and his taunts as he and his teammates prepare for their first practice game. The final satisfying chapters play out Rhino's first exciting game with the Mustangs. The simple black-and-white illustrations support the text. Readers will be anxious for the second installment to see how Rhino's first season plays out and to find out what becomes of him and his bully teammate. A solid purchase for most libraries.-Nancy Jo Lambert, McSpedden Elementary Frisco, TX (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Horn Book Review

Though Rhino loves playing baseball with his grandpa, third grade means Rhino finally gets to join a team. This brings new challenges, but Grandpa's words of wisdom ("Your thinker is there to think the things you can't always say out loud") help in situations such as dealing with a team bully. While resolutions come too easily, game details and illustrations add appeal. [Review covers these Little Rhino titles: The Best Bat and My New Team.] (c) Copyright 2015. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Kirkus Book Review

Rhino loves everything about the game of baseball except the bully on his team.Grandpa James practices with him every day after homework to help him hone his hitting and fielding skills. He imagines himself a hero in the major leagues, making spectacular plays and hitting huge home runs. He joins his first team in a beginners' league, where he will learn how to be a team player in real games. The problem is that Dylan, an intimidating bully, is on the same team. Rhino must use his "thinker" to find a way to deal with Dylan. He receives support from Grandpa James, big brother C.J. and Coach Ray. He patiently defuses the situation, surprising Dylan with acceptance and a degree of kindness. Rhino is an endearing little boy who is eager to learn and improve and cheer on his friends' accomplishments. Written by major league baseball player Howard and his wife, this is a detailed, insider's account of baseball action. Clever use of italics to differentiate Rhino's thoughts from his speech reinforces the reassuring message about coming to terms with bullying. But stilted syntax, especially in dialogue, and a side serving of distracting dinosaur information, along with mostly one-dimensional characterization, weaken the effect. The conclusion is saved from oversimplification by Rhino's recognition that Dylan will be a teammate but not a friend. Well-intentioned but not quite a home run. (Fiction. 7-9) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.