FICTION

Decoy Saves Opening Day

by Shohei Ohtani & Michael Blank (text) & illus. by Fanny Liem
HarperCollins. Feb. 2026. 32p. Tr $21.99. ISBN 9780063460775. PreS-Gr 3
COPY ISBN
PreS-Gr 3–The puppy Decoy is very excited to help his human, real-life baseball super star, Shohei Ohtani, start the season off right. Decoy is going to throw out the first pitch, but he’s a little excited and distracted. There are so many things to smell and notice, and don’t forget the lucky ball! When Shohei and Decoy arrive at the stadium, Decoy realizes he forgot the ball. This slight story is amply supported by Liem’s adorable, warmly colored illustrations of all the different kinds of people who play and watch baseball, which add to the positive message of the book. The story is sure to be a hit with baseball and dog lovers alike.
VERDICT Good for the sports shelves or seasonal baseball displays on current sports stars.
Reviewed by Debbie Tanner , Nov 21, 2025

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