This book outlines such a simple concept, and yet, I think we can all be guilty of forgetting the effect language can have on any given situation. EZ and Joel are friends. Each have their own talent just like every one else has at least one thing they excel at above all else. However, the book focuses on one boy's strength, which is his friend's weakness.

Over the course of the book, the story highlights how certain actions make people feel. It demonstrates the power of having the confidence to speak up, and to look at things through someone else's eyes. What seems like a trivial problem, and what appeared to be a short command caused stress, tension, humiliation, and other negative thoughts. The book reveals how changing a command to encouragement, and by listening to what a friend tells you they need and complying creates positive outlooks and foster better relationships. The illustratration are great for young story listeners, but the story itself suits children in the KS2 stage of development, i.e. 7-11 year olds, so there is a slight disconnect there. Otherwise, an impactful read that brings enjoyment and a great life lesson bundled up in a small, short package.

Super Cute Book!

Catch the Ball is a great learning tool for helping children to verbalize their emotions. It can be tricky for children to understand that concept and this book can help! Follow along with Joel and Ezekiel as their experiences in football help them to understand positive reinforcement and speaking their mind.

I love that there are parent and educator tips at the end of the book!

Great addition to any classroom or home library!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this book for free in exchange for my review! All opinions are my own.

One major reason I requested this book was the byline. Confidence and team work are very important skills to instill in a child from a very young age. As an adult, I've struggled with confidence and self-esteem (from anxiety) and I think this book would've come in handy for me as a child. Such an important book to read to children in this day and age!
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Many Thanks again to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this book in exchange for my honest review.

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Time to share my weekly children’s book reviews. My kids get so excited to see what books I have to read before naps, bedtime, or at breakfast. There are some really cute ones to add to your children’s summer reading book lists!

Scooper and Dumper and the Pumpkin Parade by Lindsay Ward comes out July 8th. My three boys loved the trucks adventures with the pumpkins.

A Rubbish Journey by Jonah Rideout was a really cute chapter book my daughter loved. The story was fun, and entertaining. It comes out June 24.

Keep Trucking by Raven Howell was an adorable book. The illustrations were super cute and my boys again loved the truck story. It comes out May 10.

Ain’t It Funny by Margaret Gurevich was another fun chapter book about following your dreams. My daughter really enjoyed this one. It comes out October 14.

What Are They Feeling by the School of Life is one that is so sweet and great to explain emotions. The kids and I had some fun conversations to follow this one. It comes out September 11.

The Great Turkey Walk by Kathleen Kar is a wonderful story of friendship, and takes you back to 1860. It comes out October 7.

Hailma Superhero Princess by Emily Joof was adorable. The storyline and illustrations were very exciting for the kids. It comes out September 2.

The Sun Never Hurries by Roxane Turcotte was my favorite. Such a precious story and the illustrations were darling. It comes out June 24.

Make a Little Wave by Kerry O’Malley Cerra is a really exciting story! My daughter said this was her favorite. She loved the characters. It comes out September 30.

To Mimi’s House We Go by Susan Meissner was another of my favorite. The story, the pictures, the adventure it took you on was absolutely precious. A fun one for the holidays. Comes out Sept 9.

Leonardo Cohen by Maria Isabel Sanchez-Vegara was a cute story! My kids love to learn new things and these are always so full of knowledge to take away. It comes out August 5.

Fall Feast by Sean Taylor made our family very excited for playing in the leaves. It comes out August 5.

Diwali by Sital Gorasia Chapman was such a good one for kids to learn about another culture. It comes out August 5.