This is How a Ball Rolls

A little bit of science and a little bit of poetry come together to teach readers about balls in This is How a Ball Rolls: The Science of Wobbling, Bouncing, Spinning Balls by Heather Tekavec and Suharu Ogawa.

Featuring twelve vastly different types of balls, a guessing game and some physics, readers will learn about the most basic of childhood toys.

Heather Tekavec has taken something so universal, often not given a second thought, and inspired readers to grab a ball and get playing. I love how each ball is introduced through a small hint so readers have the opportunity to interact with the story and guess which ball they will learn about. They are treated to a poem to describe the movements of the ball to help formulate their guess. Finally, readers get a little more information about why the ball acts the way it does, the science behind the bounce, or lack thereof.

I love how the back matter continues to educate readers with the seven elements of ball science along with a little bit of ball trivia to see if they have been paying attention. This book is definitely a story that will grow with readers and perhaps even inspire them to learn more about some of the balls that were not featured in the book.

Suharu Ogawa’s illustrations are inclusive and charming. Featuring all different bodies, skin colours and abilities, every reader has an opportunity to see themselves in the story and be provided with the knowledge that playing with balls is something that everyone can enjoy.