Arthur and the Seventh Inning Stretcher

Arthur Good Sports #2

by Marc Brown, Stephen Krensky

Fans of the hit PBS show Arthur can take their reading to the next level with this illustrated chapter book about sports training.

Despite all their efforts, Arthur and his friends can't seem to convince Binky that warming up before a baseball game is important. But after making fun of all his teammates' warnings, Binky injures himself, then he starts to feel left out while he's on the sidelines. 

Will he find a way to contribute to the team from the bench?

Presented in chapter book format for children who are ready to read on their own, this tale of team spirit will surely be a hit among Arthur fans.

Genres: Childrens

62 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2001

About the author

Marc Tolon Brown is perhaps best known for his series of children's books about Arthur the aardvark, which was turned into an animated television show on PBS. Brown is a three-time Emmy Award winner, for his role on the television show inspired by his books.

He lives on Martha's Vineyard and in New York City with his wife, Laurie Krasny Brown. He has three children, sons Tolon and Tucker, and daughter Eliza. The names of his two sons have been hidden in all of the Arthur books except for one: Arthur's Tooth.

Reviews

[Richiesan]

While this novel explored important motifs such as teamwork and the importance of stretching before exercise, I wish I could say I enjoyed it. Arthur is always a classic, but this book reads like one of the forgettable episodes of Arthur as I found it to he poorly written.
A lot of sports jargon was included in the book to describe dynamic moments in the baseball games, which may be hard to understand for little ones. It more-so came off as drivel rather than suspenseful and defining moments. The resolution was not satisfying in my opinion either, and it feels as though the story cuts to the end right before any resolution is achieved.
Growing up with Arthur, this multi-media universe is very important to me. I hope I find my next read from the Arthur multi-media universe more fruitful.

[Debra]

Easy beginning chapter book with all the well-known Arthur characters. Could have been a Saturday morning cartoon script turned book, or the other way around. Presents a lesson about warming up before a sports event. Binky doesn't and suffers the consequences. Kids who like baseball and Arthur would probably enjoy this. I see it as reading practice and not much more.

[Melissa Namba]

Loved this book. Maybe not because of any literary merit, it might be complex for the target audience as there is a storyline where a Binky is imaging himself as a superhero, interspersed. My nephews will enjoy it because it is about baseball. Within the story is a lesson of hard work and physical therapy, which I think is great.

[Kelly]

I like the "Good Sports" series because it teaches good lessons about sports and being good people. I like how the author includes daydreams by different people, not just Arthur.

[DingDing]

I like how Arthur works hard. If he's tired, he doesn't quit and he keeps going. And then he might succeed!