Two new children’s books teach life lessons through sports

The Longest Season, by Cal Ripken Jr., for ages 6–10, tells the story of the 1988 Baltimore Orioles. Although Ripken is known for his consecutive games streak, this particular year featured another streak—21 consecutive losses at the start of the season. In Good Sports: Rhymes About Running, Jumping, Throwing and More, poet Jack Prelutsky shows that there is often more drama involved in losing than in winning. His poems also include a good dose of humor, as displayed in this verse:

I had to slide into the plate
It was my only chance.
Though if I hadn't slid, then I
Would not have lost my pants.

Read reviews of these two books in this article from Newsday.