Dickens & Rumi
Cover of DECOY SAVES OPENING DAY

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DECOY SAVES OPENING DAY

Shohei Ohtani and Michael Blank

Decoy is ready to throw out the first pitch on baseball’s opening day. (Ages 4 to 8)

Ages 4+Source checked

Why this age? Designed for young children, with simple storytelling and mild, nonthreatening tension. Reading together may suit younger children; independent reading depends on skill level. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age4+

Strongest cautions

  • Products & advertising2/5
  • Frightening scenes1/5

Strongest positives

  • Kindness & empathy4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity3/5
  • Good role models3/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising2/5
Why this rating?

The book is tied to a famous baseball player and professional baseball culture, but it is primarily a story rather than a sales pitch.

Frightening scenes1/5
Why this rating?

There are no scary scenes or characters.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience2/5
Why this rating?

Decoy shows courage in trying new things in a large stadium.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

Encourages imagination by viewing the world through a dog's perspective.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Some cultural and community representation is present, including Ohtani’s Japanese background, but diversity appears limited rather than a central, richly developed theme.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Provides a very basic, introductory look at baseball environments.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Kindness and encouragement are central to the interaction between characters.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

Focuses on the value of participation, teamwork, and supporting friends.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Decoy exhibits positive, eager, and friendly behavior.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. Where did a character show kindness or empathy, and what changed because of it?
  2. Did products, possessions, or buying things matter to the story? What message did that send?
  3. Which choice in DECOY SAVES OPENING DAY would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in DECOY SAVES OPENING DAY, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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