Author(s): Phil Cummings

Picture Books | New Arrivals | LIB Presents: Books about Refugees

The cloudless sky suddenly roared like thunder. Shadows, swift and frightening, descended. The boys brother grabbed him by the arm. Run, quickly, But my ball. Leave it. From the Prime Ministers Literary Award-shortlisted creators of Feathers, comes this compassionate tale of a familys search for a safe place to call home.

Natalia Bragaru, the Kids Book Explorer writes:

“A Boy and a Ball” weaves a moving and powerful tale, inviting young readers into the world of a child caught in a war-torn city. This deeply evocative story follows a boy and his family as they flee their crumbling home, embark on a perilous ocean journey, and arrive at a place fenced and gated.

Rich illustrations from Phil Lesnie and carefully chosen words by Phil Cummings ignite emotions, contrasting the horrors of war with the tender moments of family protection and hope for a better future. The ball symbolizes the boy’s longing for freedom and safety, as well as the simple desire to play.

Unfortunately, the difficult journey does not always end when refugees arrive in a safe place. In Australia, those arriving on boats may be kept in detention for years. This book sheds light on the refugee journey’s end, which often becomes the beginning of a new struggle. The last page of this book is a delightful twist modelling the kindness which is so often denied to those who arrive seeking safety for their children and families. Phil Lesnie drew inspiration for this story from the experience of a real-life migrant child whom his friend met in an Australian child care centre.

“A Boy and a Ball” is a heartrending reminder of the human stories behind the nightly news and the power of books to illuminate and inspire understanding. This thought-provoking book gently introduces children to the complex issues of war and displacement, fostering empathy and sparking meaningful conversations about the refugee experience.