Bertie lives in the most wonderful place possible–the beach. He is a beachball housed on a shelf in a shed full of toys and should have fun-filled days in the sun with one beach-going child after another. Bertie, however, is not so lucky. Day after day, he watches the other toys in the shed leave their spots on the shelves to enjoy the beach and bring smiles to children. All he wants is a chance to do the same. When Rosie and Esther enter the shed with their grandfather one day, Bertie’s luck begins to take a turn.
Bertie the Bouncy Beachball, written by Mandy Woolf and illustrated by Elmira Georgieva, is the sweet story of a beachball who desires nothing more than to feel wanted and useful. His sadness is palpable, and the touching illustrations clearly convey his emotions to young readers throughout the book. Children will be drawn immediately to Bertie and his plight.
Parents and teachers will be reminded of Corduroy as they introduce readers to Bertie and his struggle to be important to someone. Woolf includes lessons on patience and perseverance–both excellent lessons for young readers. The most important lesson conveyed by the author and one parent and teachers will more than appreciate is that we should give others a chance to shine.
As a teacher, I can see Bertie the Bouncy Beachball as an excellent resource for elementary teachers and guidance counselors. There are some truly wonderful opportunities within Woolf’s book to address feelings and how to cope with them. I highly recommend this delightful read!
Reviewed by Melinda Facal for Readers’ Favorite
Bertie the Bouncy Beachball is a wonderful children’s book by Mandy Woolf with illustrations by Elmira Georgieva. This story shares an important message about seeing the good in others. Bertie is a beachball who is a little deflated and patched up, yet he waits eagerly every day for a child to choose him to play with on the beach. Other toys around Bertie are quickly selected and he is left all alone. One day Rosie gives Bertie a chance and everything changes. With determination and encouragement from his fellow toys, Bertie does his very best. Playful and animated illustrations accompany this uplifting story. Thoughtful discussion questions are included at the end of the story.
Mandy Woolf’s Bertie the Bouncy Beachball offers beautiful lessons about kindness, compassion, and empathy. Just as Bertie is often overlooked because he is not shiny and new, people can be quick to make assumptions about others based solely on their appearance. Once Bertie is given a chance, he shows what a truly fun and fantastic beachball he is. When people take the time to get to know one another they often discover many positive attributes in others. The questions included at the end of the story are likely to generate meaningful discussions about how we can look for the best in each other and how our actions affect others. Parents, teachers, and caregivers will find this book to be a helpful resource in helping children to understand sympathy and empathy. This engaging book is a highly recommended read.
