My Ball Is Broken
Age 4+
Picture Books Pets
A delightful, surprising and profound story – through the eyes of a dog – about the things that worry us, and how perspective and play can help.
It looks just like a normal ball, it's perfect by all accounts.
It's red, it's round, it rolls and rolls but why does it not bounce?
An adorable, and overthinking, dog has a ball that won't bounce. He wonders and worries if something is wrong – there are just so many possible reasons why his ball no longer can bounce up to the sky.
Will this worried woofer ever work out what his ball needs?
Creators
Rob Graves-Morris is an award-winning copywriter who's worked in advertising for 10+ years. He is the author of a series of dog books for Pedigree named 'Dogphonics'. He has an adorable British Bulldog who suffers from anxiety, and understands the power of play in overcoming anxiety and related issues.
Reviews
I loved how it gently shows overthinking without being too “teachy”. It’s light, playful, and lets kids figure it out in their own way. The illustrations are simple but really expressive, which works so well with the story. One of those books that quietly opens up little conversations without even trying.
vanesajosevski.author via instagram
With gentle, rhythmic text that’s a joy to read aloud and illustrations that keep the focus firmly on our expressive main character, this story is quietly profound. It reminds us that even the most playful souls can feel uncertain at times – and that sometimes the answer isn’t overthinking, but stepping back into play. A beautiful conversation-starter about perspective, worry and emotional wellbeing, wrapped up in a simple, funny, and heartfelt picture. Perfect for sharing with children aged 4+ (and older students/ grown-ups might also need the reminder)
abbys_fabulous_library via instagram
A delightful picture book that follows a dog’s perspective as he ponders why his ball wont bounce. We loved reading this one from the dog’s point of view as he approaches an everyday conundrum! The dog’s concern is so wholesome and Master Almost-5 loved colouring a picture to go with it.
fangtastical_fiction via instagram
The text has a lovely rhyming lilt and is fun to read aloud. The text also works in with the illustrations, for example, words curve around a rolling ball; and i cannot hear bouncing… comes out of the dogs ear, illustrating the dog keenly listening for his ball. The illustrations are simple and set against pastel-coloured backgrounds, perfect for young eyes. The ‘aha’ moment at the end is a reminder to us all to maintain connection with those with anxiety and lend a hand when appropriate. Graves-Morris has created a winner in this book.
Magpie Magazine
My Ball Is Broken, by Rob Graves-Morris, is a new picture book that explores emotional intelligence in a very humorous and easy to understand way. This book is very cleverly written and the illustrations are expressive and fun. As readers, we became emotionally connected to the dog in the story and his heartwarming plight. Targeted at early school children, this is the book that will create much discussion with young readers.
get.kids.booked via instagram
