The Great Ball Play

This adaptation of a Native American folktale has parallels in the more recent stories of the Ugly Duckling and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. In the early days of the world the animals and the birds challenged each other to a game of proto-lacrosse. The bat, sidelined as a substitute, does not seem to fit into either team, and he has to watch as the arrogant birds use their power of flight to trounce the animals. Then after a foul he is given the opportunity which enables him to earn his membership of the animal club. Taxonomic purists might look askance at the team names in this simple and light-hearted picture book, but children should enjoy the unusual twist given to the perennial theme of the outsider's triumphant integration.