Kidsday: Catcher of the day

We recently got to do something most kids would love to do. We had the honor of meeting Joe Mauer, 2009 American League MVP catcher for the Minnesota Twins. In addition, we got a chance to play the new game, MLB 11 The Show, which hits stores this week.

We traveled to the Sony Style Store in Manhattan, where we played the game. The graphics in this game are amazing. Best of all, it is now in 3-D, which makes you feel like you are there. If you are a baseball fan, this game is a must-have. Every single player in the MLB is in the game. We think Sony did it again; MLB 11 The Show is going to be a top-seller! We all loved the game, and it was really fun playing with PlayStation Move.

We also got the chance of a lifetime to interview Joe Mauer. He was extremely gracious and patient with us and answered all our questions about the game and his great career. We asked him what it was like to be on the cover of the game. "Pretty cool," Joe said. "They asked me to do it last year, and I was pleasantly surprised. It was pretty neat to see myself on the cover of this game because this is one I particularly enjoy playing. It's so realistic. They do a great job of making you feel like you're playing in the big leagues."

We also asked him what he liked most about this version of the game. He said, "Well, I just played 3-D, so it's kind of cool. Put the glasses on, and see the ball kind of coming at you and swinging. Also, you can use the Move controller, which is kind of cool on Home Run Derby. They definitely have some new features that are pretty cool, and I think people are going to like it."

Besides playing The Show, Joe told us in his free time he likes to golf and swim to stay in shape in the off season. He loves playing catcher and calling the games. His best advice to kids is to have fun while playing a sport and play as many as you like until you find the one you love.

We gave the MLB Show 11 and the cool 3-D glasses a solid 5 out of 5 rating! Meeting Joe Mauer made the day a complete home run!

Book Review: 'The Daughters Break the Rules'

I read the book "The Daughters Break the Rules" by Joanna Philbin (Little, Brown and Company).

Carina Jurgensen lives a modern fairy tale. Her father pays for everything; she has the most stylish clothes, attends the best private school and has her own private driver. Suddenly, this high-society city girl leaks a false secret about her billionaire father, and her life changes drastically. Her relationship with her father implodes. She finds herself cut off for the first time, with no credit cards or extravagant shopping sprees. Carina has to learn a thing or two about reality. She is reduced to an allowance of $20 a week, a cell phone from the Stone Age and a metro card to survive. Her life is suddenly filled with surprises. With two great friends and a positive attitude, Carina learns the truth about herself and her parents. This book has a fun story line and an unexpected plot twist. Teenage girls will love this book.

- Kidsday Reporter Jackie Falino, Age 13, Locust Valley