The Longest Season (by Cal Ripken, Jr.)

Cal Ripken Jr. may be a baseball legend but that doesn't mean that he doesn't know what it is to go through hard times. In fact, says Ripken on the front page of the book, he became an intimate friend to losing after he had established himself as a winner. And so Ripken launches into the story of his season in 1988: the year the Orioles finished last and every game was a disaster.

The frustration and sadness of the players is aptly conveyed in Ron Mazellan's paintings. Parents will appreciate the book's message and kids will appreciate the lack of lecturing. Ripken sets a good example without ever getting preachy. The book is long and 4-year-olds who aren't fans of baseball are unlikely to sit still for it, but the top age recommended by the publisher (8 years) seems a bit young.