This story is about a boy named Mitchell who tries out bowling for the first time. Initially, it is difficult for him but after his dad helps him warm up to it, he becomes so much better. I like this story because it shows perseverence and teaches that kids can learn a skill if they put their mind to it

A boy goes bowling with his dad and becomes angry that he is not good at it.
Ages: 3-5
Source: Pierce College Library

the little boy went bowling with his dad and that was his first time.
Ages: 3-7
resource: pierce college library

Mitchell (of Mitchell's License, Candlewick, 2011) is back, and this time he's going bowling! No "bumper lanes" for this high-energy little guy, he's raring to hit the big time and battle his dad at the bowling alley.

""Battle on!" said Mitchell. He just knew he was going to win.
Then it was his father's turn. He backed all the way up,
swooshed toward the line,
and did a little kick with his leg.
"STRIKE!" said his dad. All the pins had gone down, and his dad got an X.
"Oh," said Mitchell.
On Mitchell's second turn,
he did the leg kick, too.
But the ball only went a little, so Mitchell ran after it.
The lane was slippery.
That's when the people next door asked for a new lane."

Maybe bowling isn't as easy as it looks, but Mitchell sure wants that "X" and a chance to do his dad's "steamin'- hot-potato dance." As expected, Mitchell's dad has the perfect solution.

Four reasons to love this book (I can't think of any reasons not to):

* Mitchell's hipster dad - black-framed glasses, goatee, cool clothes, short and shaggy hair - gotta' love him

* Mitchell's dad doesn't "let" Mitchell win - there's never a lesson in that, and Mitchell's dad knows it

* Mitchell's range of expression - happy, frustrated, angry, devilish, joyous and downright riotous - priceless

* The steamin'-hot-potato dance - what child doesn't want to do that?

Advance Reader Copy - due on shelves September 10, 2013. ( )