Book Cover

Decoy Saves Opening Day

Contributor(s): Ohtani, Shohei (Author), Blank, Michael (Author), Liem, Fanny (Illustrator)

ISBN: 9780063460775

Publisher: HarperCollins

Hardcover
$21.99
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Pub Date: February 3, 2026

Lexile Code: 0000

Features: Price on Product

Target Age Group: 04 to 08

Physical Info: 0.40" H x 10.20" L x 10.20" W ( 1.00 lbs) 32 pages

Accelerated Reader® Info

Quiz #:0000558904 ( Decoy Saves Opening Day)

Reading level: 3.00

Interest level: LG

Point value: 0.5

Descriptions, Reviews, etc.

Description:

AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER!

From Los Angeles Dodgers all-star Shohei Ohtani comes a fast-paced and heartwarming fictional story about his real-life dog Decoy's first pitch on Opening Day of the baseball season.

Decoy can't wait to throw the first pitch on Opening Day of the new baseball season! The stadium has hot dogs, the biggest backyard he's ever seen, and thousands of his best human friends. It's going to be the best day ever, but -- oh, no! -- Decoy forgot his lucky baseball at home! Can he get his ball and make it back to the stadium before it's too late?

Shohei Ohtani is the biggest name in baseball and a proud sponsor of animal rescue organizations. Shohei and Decoy hope to use the publication of DECOY SAVES OPENING DAY to support the work these amazing nonprofits do helping dogs find their forever homes. While their fictional counterparts are saving opening day, Shohei and Decoy are working to help real-life animals in need.

Step up to the plate with LA Dodger, all-star, and MLB MVP Shohei Ohtani in his adorable debut story about his even more adorable pup, Decoy.

Brief description:

Born and raised in Indonesia, Fanny (she/her) has always loved to draw. Her passion for storytelling and illustration started with her introduction to picture books, which were often gifts from her uncle. Fanny recently decided to make her hobby a career, and she is now following her dream as a full-time children's book illustrator. When she is not drawing, you can find her watching movies and/or listening to country music.

Review Quotes:

"Ohtani and Blank's energetic text lends the tale a sense of urgency and suspense. Liem's illustrations capture the excitement of the first day of baseball season and the joys of locker room camaraderie, as well as Shohei and Decoy's mutual affection--even when the ball is drenched in slobber, Shohei's love for his pet shines through, and clearly, Decoy is focused when it matters. A charming tale of an athlete who may not steal any bases but who will certainly steal readers' hearts." - Kirkus Reviews

"The story is sure to be a hit with baseball and dog lovers alike." - School Library Journal

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