For all young ball players who often strike out or never seem to make the play, this delightful rhyming journey teaches kids, through baseball, all about the magic of believing in themselves. The wind whirls a magic baseball cap from town to town, bringing special powers to the young players on whom it lands. Great hitting, swift running, fabulous catches and more are bestowed upon cap wearers throughout the story. They experience the remarkable power of success that comes first from the magic cap, but ultimately from gaining their own confidence. Told in rhythmic verse, the story weaves together a variety of educational themes. It takes the reader on a tour of several states, from Maine to Oregon, while following the magic cap’s path as it seeks out youngsters in need of some extra confidence or self-esteem. On its wind-swept quest to find the next deserving player, the magic baseball cap passes by famous landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty in New York, the Gateway Arch in Missouri, and Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. Animal helpers also lend a hand to its journey as the cap rides to Florida on a duck’s wing and hitches a ride up the Pacific coast on the head of a porpoise. The cap itself is weather-beaten and worn, carrying stains of mustard and chocolate and dust. But that doesn’t stop it from bringing out the magic in several young baseball players. As the story progresses, the reader realizes that the players who don the cap actually make their own magic by tapping their self-confidence. Captivating watercolor illustrations bring the story alive with creative perspectives of the ball fields, young players, animal helpers and famous places passed by the magic cap as it dances through the air on its way to somewhere new.
About the Author
DAVID A. HAM
Involved with baseball for over three decades - first as a youth player, then as a high school and college player, then as a youth coach for his son’s teams - David Ham has experienced youth baseball from all angles. His genuine love of the game is brought to life in this magical children’s story. He is a co-author of the award winning book, “Collective Coaching Wisdom for Youth Baseball.” Mr. Ham was born and raised in Rising Sun, Maryland. He currently resides in Ellicott City, Maryland, with his wife and four children.
JANICE B. SIBLEY
Janice Sibley’s twenty plus years of professional expertise as a developer and writer of instructional materials, along with her firsthand experience as a baseball parent, join to create a colorful tale that entertains as well as teaches about confidence and self-esteem. She is a co-author of the award winning book, “Collective Coaching Wisdom for Youth Baseball.” Originally from California, Ms. Sibley has lived in Maryland for the past 18 years. She currently resides in Gaithersburg with her husband and three children.
BLAIR BOSTICK
Blair Bostick is an architect by day and a children's book illustrator and writer by night. He loves to create new worlds for children to fall into, using powerful and compelling watercolor images. He works and lives with his wife and three children in Alexandria, Virginia.
