My Ball Is Broken (Rob Graves-Morris, Walker)

My Ball Is Broken, written and illustrated by Rob Graves-Morris, is a playful picture book with hidden depth for readers aged 4 and over, told from the perspective of a dog. When his beloved red ball won’t bounce, the small dog becomes consumed by the mystery: It’s round and it rolls, so why won’t it bounce? Each short verse follows a gentle rhythmic pattern, making the text especially engaging to read aloud. The dog works through a series of imaginative explanations – perhaps the ball was told to play dead, is scared of heights, has an upset stomach or simply forgot how to bounce – relating every theory back to his own feelings and experiences. The illustrations are simple yet textured, focusing closely on the dog and its ball, with minimal background detail. This restraint keeps the spotlight firmly on the protagonist, whose oversized head and tiny eyes make him instantly endearing. The visual style enhances the humour and warmth of the story, adding to its overall charm. A closing note reminds readers that while dogs may seem fearless and full of energy, they can worry just like humans – and that physical play can help ease anxious feelings for animals and people alike.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Jess Lomas is the reviews editor at Books+Publishing. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

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