Ruffles and the Lost Bouncy Ball

Ruffles and the Lost Bouncy Ball is by the extremely talented creator of the hugely successful Hugless Douglas series. Ruffles and the lost bouncy ball is part of a collection of books aimed at pre-school children which focus on first experiences.

Ruffles is an adorable puppy who is forever learning how to navigate new situations. In this book, Ruffles loses his most precious possession… his bouncy ball! He searches for it everywhere but it's nowhere to be found. Can Ruby from the Red, Red Coat edition help to cheer up Ruffles?

The storyline is ever-relatable as a parent and a child as we can imagine and have perhaps experienced firsthand the turmoil a child can feel when they lose their most prized possession. Something myself and my toddler have appreciated most about this book is David Melling's emotive and expressive illustrations. The book can be understood and followed through the illustrations alone and Ruffle's feelings can be felt on every page. This is something so essential for pre-school children as we are supporting them to recognise their own and others' feelings.

I must mention the accompanying free audio book that comes with this book. It is a great tool to stimulate children's senses as they listen to this book and hear the sound effects as Ruffles sniffs, chews, digs and bounces his ball. If you appreciate David Melling's illustrative style, I also recommend Micheal Rosen's new release, Goldilocks and the Three Crocodiles, where David has again expressively and comically illustrated the story.

Picture book / Reviewed by Jessica Bunney, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 0+