Bertie lives at 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 parents 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!

Pages: 32 | ISBN: 1922670715

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2022/11/08/bertie-the-bouncy-beachball/