School Library Journal Review
Gr 1-4-In this new chapter book series, third-grader Ryan, who prefers to be called Rhino, loves baseball. He plays catch and practices hitting as often as he can with his grandfather. While at school, he and his best friend, Cooper, join a new lunch table where they also get to talk about dinosaurs. Rhino loves learning facts and then sharing them with his friends. One day Grandpa James signs him up for a little league baseball team, and Rhino couldn't be more excited. Then, he finds out that the meanest boy in his class is on the same team. Dylan takes every opportunity to belittle Rhino at school, in the neighborhood, and at practice. Rhino has some tough decisions to make about how to respond to Dylan and his taunts as he and his teammates prepare for their first practice game. The final satisfying chapters play out Rhino's first exciting game with the Mustangs. The simple black-and-white illustrations support the text. Readers will be anxious for the second installment to see how Rhino's first season plays out and to find out what becomes of him and his bully teammate. A solid purchase for most libraries.-Nancy Jo Lambert, McSpedden Elementary Frisco, TX (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
Though Rhino loves playing baseball with his grandpa, third grade means Rhino finally gets to join a team. This brings new challenges, but Grandpa's words of wisdom ("Your thinker is there to think the things you can't always say out loud") help in situations such as dealing with a team bully. While resolutions come too easily, game details and illustrations add appeal. [Review covers these Little Rhino titles: The Best Bat and My New Team.] (c) Copyright 2015. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Booklist Review
Ryan Howard, first baseman for the Philadelphia Phillies, has teamed up with his wife, Krystle, to introduce Little Rhino. Rhino is a third-grader who loves baseball and gets his chance to play when he joins a local Little League team. It's a dream come true, but it also means having to contend with Dylan, the neighborhood bully, who is now a teammate. Little Rhino's social circle includes his grandfather, whom he lives with, and his best friend, Cooper, who can stand up to Dylan but is shy when Rhino tries to help him break through to a new group of friends at lunch. There is a good mix of baseball action and interpersonal dynamics, and Rhino is a relatable protagonist with room to grow as the series continues. Madrid's full-page illustrations, seen in a preliminary state, complement the story nicely. This is a likable debut with an easy-to-read format and a high-interest topic, which should appeal to a wide range of emerging chapter-book readers.--Dean, Kara Copyright 2015 Booklist
