‘Bertie the Bouncy Beachball’, is a heart warming children’s picture book by author Mandy Woolf. The story follows Bertie, a once vibrant beachball who spends every day stuck on a dusty, old shelf among other toys that are too, neglected. He dreams to bounce in the glorious sunshine but due to his faded colour, patched up holes and slumping, he is never chosen! This is until a young girl named Rosie, sees the potential in him, from his radiated beauty inside and out. She gives him the chance that he has been waiting for. Mandy’s storytelling is both touching and uplifting, completed by vivid and beautifully illustrated pictures that brings Bertie’s world to life. This title conveys themes of inclusion, self-worth, and the joy that arises from simple acts of kindness. Overall, ‘Bertie the Bouncy Beachball’, is a delightful read for young children, as they are encouraged to look beyond appearances and embrace to potential for joy and friendship in everyone and everything. It is a fantastic addition to any child’s reading collection that will leave them smiling and their heart warm. For this reason, I award this title 5 stars.
By Bronwyn McKay