Clorinda’s dreams always push the envelope of ordinary, cud-chewing existence.
Having been a ballerina and a pilot in previous outings, Clorinda, a very determined and talented cow, sets her sights on playing big-league baseball. Her friends build a grandstand and create a field, and several of them join the game. Along comes Deke, a boy with tremendous talent, and Clorinda becomes his mentor, putting her own dreams on hold. When he gets to the big leagues with the "Bosstown Red Hats," he cannot do without her, so she joins the team as his coach. Deke becomes the star player, leading the Red Hats to the World Series. A freak storm blows in, and Deke is blinded by sand. Guess who saves the day with a tremendous home run? Kinerk’s easy, breezy verse, with some wonderfully inventive rhymes, moves the story along at a breathless pace, with one madcap event after another. See a home run that knocks a storm out of the park, and be amazed at a cow that pilots a helicopter. It’s over-the-top baseball fantasy, but there’s also friendship and loving selflessness. Kellogg’s signature cartoon watercolors and text placement vary pleasingly in layout. As always, they not only match the plot but add layers of details and special effects.
Hilarious and joyful; hooray, Clorinda. (Picture book. 3-9)
