Baseball in the Bedroom by Julie Kicklighter

Baseball in the Bedroom is a lighthearted peek into a young boy’s fascination with his favorite sport. Little Lee’s baseball daydream transforms his childhood home at Eleven High Hill Drive into a big-time ballpark, complete with famous players and home runs galore! Moms and dads will immediately identify with the nostalgia inherent in Ms. Kicklighter’s words, while children will delight in the rhyming stanzas and colorful, 3D illustrations.

Told from the perspective of a now-grown sibling looking back, Baseball in the Bedroom details the elaborate imaginings of her little brother, Lee, as he conjures up baseball heroes to play games in his bedroom. As the games were all-day affairs, the imaginary baseballers would arrive early in the morning for hotcakes, gladly accommodating Mama’s “no dirty shoes” rule. As the day progressed, Lee would act as the coach, the umpire, the commentator, and the commissioner of the imaginary league, continuing into the evening. Ms. Kicklighter’s tale truly reflects her love and admiration for her brother, and the rhythm of her words and her fluid rhymes are sure to capture young readers and listeners.

Baseball in the Bedroom features illustrations by Pixel Boy Studio, a team of two brothers who are known for their playful 3D/vector styles, creativity, and high-quality work. The illustrations are full of motion and color, sure to delight young audiences. Historically famous players make appearances throughout the book, and their likenesses are easily recognizable. Objects appear to pop off pages and bright colors dazzle readers’ eyes.

The book is prefaced by a foreword from legendary baseball announcer and sportswriter Peter Gammons. His words serve to underscore the point that Ms. Kicklighter hits home with her story: dream big, and never stop. Anyone who has ever dreamed a big dream will fall in love with Baseball in the Bedroom.