My Ball Is Broken

'My Ball is Broken' follows a dog who can't understand why their ball is broken. Balls are meant to bounce, aren't they? So why doesn't this one? The author draws the reader into the mind of the dog, who is trying to work out the reason why the ball doesn't bounce. Although the story appears simplistic, it demonstrates a deeper vision of a dog that worries, and readers will draw parallels with anxieties we feel ourselves.

This is a truly delightful picture book, with fun and colourful illustrations alongside creative typography that make it engaging to read. I couldn't help but feel I was inside the dog's mind, and could relate to the confusion and worry they were feeling. I particularly enjoyed the variety of explanations the dog came up with for why the ball wouldn't bounce, which were all quite unusual but would make perfect sense from a dog's perspective.

This would be a perfect read for storytime in class as it is, but it also lends itself to further teaching opportunities around feelings of anxiety and worry. It would also appeal to parents as a bedtime story, or for children to read themselves.