cover image The Old Ball and the Sea

The Old Ball and the Sea

Warren Gerbert, Warren Gebert. Bradbury Press, $12.95 (36pp) ISBN 978-0-02-735821-6

On a hot summer day, Roy and his dog Buddy visit the seashore. Roy's parents bring along the beach gear and a picnic, and the party spends a leisurely afternoon sunbathing and swimming. Roy and Buddy unexpectedly discover an old ball bobbing on the waves, which they play with until the sun is low on the horizon. Rather than take the ball home with him, Roy decides to leave it for someone else to find and enjoy. Gebert's main idea is good, though the story doesn't make a lasting impression. But there is a lyricism in the paintingsthe soft colors look rubbed into the sandy landscape, and everything seems to glow with a patina of light and dusky shadows. Ages 3-6. (April)