Mari loves baseball more than anything, even more than carrots! But in Woodland River, most girls play gentle berryball ... not fast, dusty, action-packed baseball.
With the help of her Papá, a wise old turtle, a camp full of fierce girls, a powerful coach, and a cheeky mockingbird who repeats everything, Mari discovers that the diamond is exactly where she belongs.
The Catcher With Heart is a warm, funny, inspiring story about courage, kindness, and chasing your biggest dreams, one pitch at a time
Jamie Stott is a proud sportswoman whose life has been enriched by playing sport. She grew up loving stories, animals and the magic of being part of a team. Jamie believes every child deserves to chase big dreams, even if they feel a little different from everyone else. When she isn't writing, Jamie can be found coaching and playing field hockey and baseball, streaming on TikTok or throwing the frisbee for her dog, Dusk. The Catcher With Heart is Jamie's celebration of courage, kindness and the joy of playing ball.
Roger Haldane is a multi-award winning Australian artist who loves bringing animals to life with warmth, humour, and personality. His illustrations have appeared in picture books, newspapers, and galleries across Australia. When he's not drawing, Roger can be found tending to his farm, watching birds, or sketching animals he meets in the wild. Roger's artwork helps stories feel magical, funny, and full of heart.