At the opening, we are asked to identify several objects, and to clarify that they are indeed what they are--a triangle, an ice cream (that's not a cat) and a banana.
From there, our brains are turned inside out.
A cube is a ball. A car is a bike. An elephant is a dog. Of course it is. It has four legs and a tail. Wait--it's not a dog? Are you really sure???
Funny, clever, deliciously dry, This is a Ball does colour and design as beautifully as its overall concept, with scrumptious, childlike illustrations that are a touch Dick Bruna, a touch Taro Gomi.
I also love that this book encourages kids to think outside the square, and hopefully, somewhere deep in that unlimited subconscious, understand that what we see is all about perception. What a powerful thought.
Title: This is a Ball
Author/Illustrator: Beck and Matt Stanton
Publisher: ABC Books, $19.99 RRP
Publication Date: 1 April 2015
Format: Hard cover
ISBN: 9780733334351
For ages: 3 - 8
Type: Picture Book
