A collection of outdoor stories perfect for reluctant readers and nature lovers, Father Water, Mother Woods by Gary Paulsen is based on the author’s own childhood experiences in the North Woods of Minnesota. (ages 12 and up, pb,)

The Outdoor Adventure Handbook is a compact, easy-to-read photographic guide that will encourage children to explore the outdoors and provide helpful information for them as they do. Selecting and packing outdoor gear, setting up the campsite, cooking over a fire, using the sun and stars, and first aid are all thoroughly covered, along with a wealth of other useful topics. Written by Hugh McManners, a former British Army paratrooper, and author of articles and books about camping and wilderness survival, The Outdoor Adventure Handbook may be just what you need to entice the kids away from the TV and into the outdoors this summer. (pb)

When Willard Met Babe Ruth is a touching, very personal account of a boy’s love for the game of baseball and his admiration for its greatest player. Beginning when his father’s oxen pull the Babe’s car from a ditch, through a memorable game at Fenway Park, the story culminates with one of Ruth’s last games - a game which Will, his father, and his daughter all attend. Masterfully written by Donald Hall and illustrated with Barry Moser’s evocative paintings, When Willard Met Babe Ruth is a timeless treasure. (ages 7 and up, hc)

A baseball fan’s dream, Dan Gutman’s Baseball’s Greatest Games is no romanticized account of dream games. Baseball historians were asked which games they thought were the greatest - and they responded with a variety of opinions. No-hitters, World Series, slugfests - they are all here. Gutman has recreated the game with detailed, accurate accounts of the action. In his introduction he asserts that nothing is made-up or exaggerated; the game of baseball surely provides enough action and suspense. The publisher lists this book for ages 8-12, but we say that its stories are for baseball fans of all ages! Baseball’s Greatest Games (pb)

Bruce Weber’s Baseball Megastars 1996 is perfect for a young baseball fan. Full-page, full-color photos and a one-page biography of the stars of the season will provide young baseball enthusiasts with lots of inside info on their favorite players. Weber also lists his picks for the top finishers in each division, and offers space for fans to record their choices as well. (pb)

Roberto Clemente was one of baseball's greatest players. Now children can read of his talent, perseverance, and generous spirit in an early chapter book designed for those ready to transition from beginning readers. Roberto Clemente by Kenneth Rudeen (ages 7-10, pb)

NOTE:  This book is out of print. Click here for other books on Roberto Clemente

Baseball’s favorite dinosaur is back in The Ballad of Dinosaur Bob, featuring a mini book edition of Dinosaur Bob and His Adventures with the Family Lazardo by William Joyce. The package includes a cassette of actress Mariel Hemingway’s reading as well as two songs: “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” and “The Ballad of Dinosaur Bob.” Great amusement for trips or long summer days at home. The Ballad of Dinosaur Bob (ages 3-8, pkg)