The House That Ruth Built

Kelly Bennett’s The House That Ruth Built, with illustrations by Susanna Covelli, is a jubilant and fact-packed tribute to Yankee Stadium’s legendary beginnings, Babe Ruth’s iconic legacy, and the timeless charm of baseball. This picture book will captivate young readers and their grown-up companions alike with its rhythmic storytelling, historical nuggets, and beautifully detailed illustrations that bring the 1923 Yankee Stadium to life.

The book opens with a bang—Opening Day at the grand new Yankee Stadium, setting the tone for a journey through one of the most significant moments in American sports history. But this isn’t just a tale of home runs and crowds; Bennett cleverly weaves in rich background information on the origins of baseball, the creation of the Knickerbocker Rules, and the evolution of equipment like gloves, bats, and scoreboards. For parents and educators, the book serves as a goldmine for both entertainment and learning.

Bennett’s prose dances between factual storytelling and poetic refrain. The repeated line “the House that Ruth Built” becomes a celebratory chorus as the story builds toward Babe Ruth’s triumphant home run in the third inning—an electric moment that anchors the narrative. It’s an especially thrilling read-aloud, inviting dramatic pauses and joyful exclamations that mimic a live baseball game.

One of the book’s strengths is its inclusivity of lesser-known heroes and historical footnotes. From Eddie Bennett, the Yankees’ beloved batboy, to Alexis Busch, the first full-time female batgirl in Major League Baseball, the book shines a light on the unsung figures of the sport. Bennett also takes care to include the legacy of the Negro Leagues, introducing young readers to players like Josh Gibson and the important cultural context of baseball’s segregated past.

The illustrations are a standout, with sepia-toned historical photos artfully integrated among playful, energetic drawings. These images blend nostalgia with whimsy, immersing readers in a world where pigeons roosted in the stadium rafters, Cracker Jacks were a prized snack, and Sousa’s band filled the air with patriotic marches. The book’s layered storytelling will appeal to readers of different ages, making it a perfect companion for family reading time or classroom discussions.

Ultimately, The House That Ruth Built is more than just a sports story—it’s a slice of Americana told with reverence and joy. Whether you’re a diehard Yankees fan or a newcomer to baseball, this book hits a home run. It’s ideal for classrooms, family storytimes, and any young reader curious about the legends of the game.