Fox Plays Ball: 464 (My First I Can Read!)

School Library Journal Best Books of 2024

The mischievous and fun-loving Fox is back in another humorous and surprising I Can Read, from Caldecott Honor– and three-time Geisel Award–winning author-illustrator Corey Tabor.

Fox is ready to play ball!

So are Elephant, Rabbit, Bear…and Snail.

But who will win the game?

• Funny Kids Book: Watch Fox, Elephant, Rabbit, and Bear all try to catch the ball—and miss! This silly, repetitive story is perfect for read-aloud giggles.
• An Unlikely Underdog: While the big animals chase and dive, a tiny snail joins the game. Get ready for a surprise ending that proves size doesn’t matter.
• Perfect for Beginning Readers: With simple sentences, word repetition, and clear illustrations, this Level 1 "I Can Read" book helps build confidence for children just starting to read on their own.
• A Sweet Story of Sportsmanship: More than just a game, it’s a charming tale about playing together and being a good friend, win or lose.

Corey R. Tabor is the author and illustrator of the Caldecott Honor–winning Mel Fell, three-time Geisel Award winner for Fox Has a Problem, Fox at Night, and Fox the Tiger, and Geisel Honor recipient for Fox versus Fox. His other acclaimed titles include the young graphic novel chapter books Sir Ladybug, Sir Ladybug and the Queen Bee, and Sir Ladybug and the Bookworms; the picture books Bear for a Day, Cranky, Crabby Crow (Saves the World), Ursula Upside Down, Simon and the Better Bone, Snail Crossing, Fox and the Bike Ride, and Fox and the Jumping Contest; and the I Can Reads Fox versus Winter, Fox Is Late, and Fox Plays Ball. Corey R. Tabor lives in Tacoma, Washington, with his wife and son and spends his time making pictures and stories.