Horn Book
(Sun Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2010)
In Bases Loaded, best pals Raymond and Graham play Little League baseball; Cool Campers finds them at summer camp, where they resolve to become the coolest kids there. Both books bounce along on waves of good humor, offering congenial stories for young intermediate-level readers. The copious black-and-white drawings are reminiscent of Dav Pilkey's Captain Underpants series.
Kirkus Reviews
Best friends Raymond and Graham bring their usual antics to the game of baseball in their annual attempt to win the Millcreek Little League Championship ( Raymond and Graham Rule the School , 2009). The class bully is on the rival team, and it will take all of the dynamic duo's best efforts to make the most of their advantages and overcome the difficulties ahead. The increased pressure from female spectators' presence really gets to Raymond, especially when yellow Gatorade spills down the front of his uniform pants. Learning the coaching signs provides added opportunities for confusion as the games progress. While Raymond worries, Graham has confidence to spare in his baseball skills (and most everything else). Both boys are learning the ins and outs of the game, but the humor inherent in their interactions goes far beyond baseball. Knudson's focus on sports adds some flair to a series that is already winning fans and providing enjoyment for third- and fourth-grade readers who like the slightly larger-than-usual font, the short chapters and Curtis's appealing illustrations. (Fiction. 8-11)
School Library Journal
(Mon Feb 01 00:00:00 CST 2010)
Gr 3-5 Best friends Raymond and Graham are hopeful that they will win the Little League championship as well as the affections of their prospective grade-school crushes, and maybe even enjoy an entire school week with a substitute teacher. But there are a few obstacles in the way, including a bully, an embarrassing mishap involving yellow Gatorade, and the unfortunate circumstance of Raymond's mom being the sub. Filled with tame humor, a few family high jinks, and baseball plays aplenty, this story will likely appeal to young baseball fans and anyone who enjoyed Raymond and Graham Rule the School (Viking, 2008). Jessica Marie, Renton Public Library, WA