I liked this book, because first of all the animals can talk. Second of all it's exciting to see what will happen to the bullies. The book was easy to read, because the words are simple and easy to read and it's easy to look at. It was interesting to read and I like the story line. I liked Child, because he has a weird name and even if others were mean to him, he did nice stuff back. I read it very fast. It is one of my favorite books.
-8 year old reviewer ( )

Honestly, this is the sort of book that i would usually deliberately not review after reading, because it did nothing to deserve to have stars docked, and yet... I did not actually like it, so I cannot honestly give it full stars. But, I got it through librarything's early review program, so despite my druthers, I've gotta review it.

So. Uh. This book was... fine. There's nothing wrong with it. It's exactly the sort of book a kid could pick up from the little free library in the park, read, enjoy reading, put back in the little free library, and never think about again. This is an important genre for little reader kids (the "books that fill time but don't require redecorating the bedroom" genre) and this book is a cute addition. I'll be putting it in the little free library in the park, near the little league field, and I'll hope it's next reader enjoys it! ( )

Using the playful border between reality and imagination, this is a fun with meaningful moments.

Child has a lot to deal with, especially thanks to a bully at school, who believes he ratted him out to the principal. Child does his best to avoid the boy, which works sometimes better than others. Child does enjoy living with his Gamma, where he helps her take care of retired zoo animals at the park. But it's a simple life, and they only have enough money because Gamma's work allows them to live in a basement for free. To escape everything, Child plays in the closet, where Gamma stores all sorts of wonderful things, including a baseball jersey which reflects his own baseball dreams.

While this is sold as a middle grade novel, the plot and text ease it into a category, where well-versed chapter book readers will even feel comfortable picking it up. The plot is straight-forward and the vocabulary works well for the lower end of the middle grade audience. Older middle graders might find it a bit too simple. While the two hundred pages might seem daunting for this level, it's a quick, easy read with short chapters, easy sentences, and enjoyable illustrations sprinkled in. The pacing stays steady, as well, and the plot moves right along.

Child is an easy character to identify with. His worries and thoughts steer around a school bully and desire to, maybe, play baseball. He deals with the situations in a wholesome way, but then, also has the wonderful support of his Gamma. The retired circus animals add a lovely twist, especially since some of them still don aspects of their circus costumes. While this part of the tale begins with both feet in reality, it slowly shifts with Child's imagination until the animals take on a more fantastical role.

When I read this, I couldn't help but remember the movie Field of Dreams, although this book has very little in common with it. Still, the dream of baseball, facing difficult circumstances, and having a fantastical team (in this case, the animals) create a read full of goodness. I received a DRC and enjoyed the mix of fantasy and steering problems. ( )