“The Story Mudville Never Knew”
 
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Pinstripe Press

ReviewAt the bookstore: I would like to take a moment to introduce you to a rather extraordinary children’s book that is being released. The title of the story is THE DEAL IS ON STRIKE THREE: “The Story Mudville Never Knew.” Readers may recognize the coincidental name of the book’s father, another ‘Casey at Bat,’ who teaches his 8-year old son about important family values by using baseball folklore as the foundation. Throughout the story, we are reminded how important it is to use the same positive principles off the ball field that we are called to practice on it. This goes far beyond mere sportsmanship, to include integrity, courage, and strength of character. We are also reminded of the traditional ideals such as good triumphing over evil, and that good things come to those that are hardworking, patient, and grateful.

Written by Peter Fertig and Rudy Saviano, the storyline is both familiar and fresh all at the same time. In taking a new approach to an old theme, the authors have created a book that can easily be enjoyed and shared by adults and their children alike. The book is complimented by many period-styled illustrations by artist Penny Musso Weber, whose drawings leap off the page while not distracting from the story. The combination of these dynamic images and word will surely capture your children’s attention span from cover to cover. Additionally, two of baseball’s most celebrated superstars, Bob Feller and Tom Seaver provide the Introduction and Forward while echoing this reviewer’s praise of the meaningful lessons that are presented in this book.

THE DEAL IS ON STRIKE THREE is slated to be released just in time for Christmas. If you, or anyone you know is looking for a special gift for a 6 to 12 year old child, visit www.thedealisonstrikethree.com for online ordering information. Visitors can also read the Foreword by Tom Seaver and the Introduction by Bob Feller.

Michael Aubrecht, Pinstripe Press

 

Berger Book Review

The Deal Is On Strike Three

dealis-on-strike-3Author: Peter Fertig & Rudy Saviano
Illustrator: Penny Musso Weber
Publisher: RSI Publishing
Genre: Children / Baseball
ISBN: 978-0615228648
Pages: 45
Price: $15.95

Author’s website
Buy it at AmazonDeal on strike 3

The Mighty Casey became a legend when he struck out to end the game. But although there was no joy in Mudville that day, was there perhaps a deeper reason for such an ignominious fate?

The Deal Is On Strike Three tells a tale most folks have never heard - how an evil man had bargained for Casey’s soul, and how his son is given the opportunity to save him. In the same poetic style of the original, the authors share Casey’s son’s secret bargain.

Professional sports offer the promise of fame and fortune, but at what price? This book gives kids another view of the choices players make as they attempt to make a name for themselves. But how much are they willing to give up for fame? The deals they make may be with the devil himself.

“When the final out is made, and the outcome has been sealed, everyone’s a winner, who has played upon the field.” The Deal Is On Strike Three is a great baseball story with a positive message. I highly recommend it.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Fazzino's Collectors Club Site

Baseball Blog: "The Deal is on Strike Three"

Posted on January 22, 2009 18:50 by CFazzino

Rudy Saviano was in the studio a few weeks ago. We're talking about working together to increase exposure for my hand-painted baseballs. He has some great ideas and I'm looking forward to working with him. He happened to mention to Fran and Julie in the office that he had co-written a children's baseball book......we learned first hand what a good storyteller Rudy is because he told us about how he got the legendary Bob Feller to write the introduction. Then Tom Seaver came on board to author the foreword. What a great story. Within days, Rudy sent us a copy of his book. I'd like to share it with you. It's pretty amazing...the previously untold story of the role that Casey's son played in that fateful game in Mudville.

Through this book, Rudy shows us again how life's lessons can be taught through art and cultural stories can be passed through generations by art...all kinds of art....books & literature, paintings, music, poetry, photography, etc.

Here's what Bob Feller writes on the back of the book: "I have never seen a baseball book that teaches family values and life's lessons to children as does 'The Deal is on Strike Three.' Parents should read this book and discuss the lessons it teaches with their children. I'm very proud to be part of it."

You can read more about the book and order it from Rudy's website at www.thedealisonstrikethree.com.

Enjoy!

--Charles

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