HEATHER HITS HER FIRST HOME RUN Ted Plantos Illustrated by Heather Collins Windsor (Ont.), Black Moss Press, 1989. 22pp, paper, $4.95, ISBN 0-88753-185-7 Distributed by Firefly Books Pre-school to Grade 2/Ages 3 to 7 Reviewed by Marion Scott. Volume 17 Number 4 1989 July Plantos and Collins have produced a pleasant, simple picture-book that should strike a chord with day-care and primary-school-age children. Heather, a novice at T-ball, has been trying for a hit all season. This is the story of that big moment-she hits the ball and bats in three runs. Technically, this is not a home run, but it is a milestone for Heather and her team and is celebrated as such. This is poet and editor Plantos' first picture-book. The text might be tighter. However, the characters and situation are very believable. Heather could be any six-or seven-year-old experiencing the fun— and fears-of playing a team sport. Nor are the parents' and coach's role left out. They provide a supportive background, which emphasizes fun and effort as much as competition. Collins is no stranger to picture-book illustration. Among her better known works is The Bare Naked Book written by Kathy Stinson. Here again, her illustrations complement the story very nicely. They are warm, colourful, humorous and full of action. Heather's experience is aptly portrayed in a variety of expressions ranging from reluctance to amazement. The layout is also good. Text and pictures are nicely balanced. This could be a useful as well as an entertaining title, for there are not a great deal of stories about sports and team play for this age group. A good addition to library, classroom and day-care paperback collections. Marion Scott, Toronto Public Library, Toronto, Ont.