Common Sense Media Review
By Susan Faust
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
A baseball star's dog stars in this winning tale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
It's the start of a new baseball season in DECOY SAVES OPENING DAY. Professional player Shohei has a dog, and that dog helps him get to the stadium on-time. Decoy awakens Ohtani and rushes him along. Decoy also gets his lucky ball ready for the special action of the day, throwing out the ceremonial first pitch of the season. But Decoy gets distracted by squirrels, planes, and hot dogs, and he forgets to bring the ball that he loves so much to the stadium. He must race home for the ball. Can he retrieve it in time?
Is It Any Good?
The beloved dog of a Dodger star is the star of a winning picture book. Authors Shohei Ohtani Michael Black recall how Ohtani's beloved dog "throws out" the ceremonial first pitch in Decoy Saves Opening Day. In this, his first book, Ohtani draws on a real event, embellishing it with a mildly suspenseful challenge that drives the plot. Perseverance, teamwork, and gratitude are themes that support a slight but appealing story. Young fans of dogs and baseball, especially the Dodgers, will find much to cheer about in this story. After all, it is as earnest as Ohtani himself and as endearing as Decoy.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about baseball, as featured in Decoy Saves Opening Day. Does your family like baseball? Do you? Do you follow a favorite professional team like the Dodgers? Do you play on a kids' team?
Do you have a dog like Decoy? Does your dog like to play ball or chase squirrels or do other tricks? Or do you know a dog like Decoy?
Decoy persevers in a tough situation. He's forgotten his essential lucky ball at home, thus putting Opening Day in jeopardy. He races home to get the ball and save the day. Have you ever had the chance to be part of a team to do something helpful in sports, in class, or at home? What happened?
When Decoy gets that ceremonial first pitch across home plate, the crowd cheers. Decoy and Shohei "high-paw." Everyone is showing admiration and gratitude. What are some ways to show gratitude?
Decoy has a lucky ball. He needs it to bring good luck and feel confident enough to throw out the Opening Day ceremonial first pitch. Do you have something that you use to bring good luck or feel confident?
Book Details
- Authors :
- Illustrator : Fanny Liem
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Animals ( Dogs ) , Sports ( Baseball )
- Character Strengths : Gratitude , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Harper Collins Publishers
- Publication date : February 3, 2026
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 32
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : February 18, 2026
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