From its beginning, as a pickup game played in alleyways, to the fan-filled stadiums of the major leagues, baseball has played a rich role in American history. In this glorious tribute to our nation's favorite pastime, rich verse and vibrant illustrations bring the game of baseball to action-packed life.

Does your child like baseball? Do they know where and how it all started? Do you? This is the Game is a beautiful poetic tribute to the classic American game, showing baseball's modest beginnings in a back alley with a stick, leather ball and barehanded catches. This age-old pastime captures us all and begins when the umpire bellows, Play ball! The gorgeously painted illustrations are shaded and highly detailed, so each picture looks quite realistic.  Whether your child is familiar with baseball before reading this story, they will be interested in trying it for themselves once you finish.

It will be exciting for your child to learn about a game so engrained in our national identity actually began. Fun facts like the different names baseball has worn (rounders and town ball) show how games - like everything else in history - evolve with time. The book also explains the evolution of baseball starting as a back ally game to a popular stadium game. The book explains the integration of different races into the major leagues, and some of baseball's greatest stars. If your child shows an interest in learning more about the sport, take them into the backyard and toss around a ball or practice swinging a baseball bat. The book's primary message is that baseball is for everyone, no matter what your age, gender, or background.