Stop That Ball!
by Mike McClintock with illustrations by Fritz Siebel/ published 1959 by Random House
Stop That Ball! isn't wildly different from this duo's earlier and more famous creation -- A Fly Went By. But unlike the story about the fly that trouble follows, STB! survived two editions, only to find itself out-of-print in today's modern age. Regardless, it's worth tracking down the '59 edition to add to your collection. Fun, fun, fun in the form of a tether ball that goes awry and somehow manages to escape death by fire, baseball bat and cannon explosion.
I saw a house on fire ahead.
"My ball must not land there!" I said.
"For if it does, it's gone forever!
And I will never get it! Never!"
But then some water shot up high.
It hit my ball and made it fly.
Boy! Was I happy! This was fine!
Now I could get that ball of mine.
My son loves to read books like this that have nonstop action, and Siebel's red/green/black illustrations are so full of life and movement, it is hard not to get caught up in the antics. Love that dog too with the wagging tongue. Wish I'd had a pooch like that when I was wee.
Also by:
Who Took the Farmer's Hat
Tell Me Some More
I just found your blog and I will definitely be visiting again in the future! I just read through all of your archives and then spent my evening filling my library request list with your recommendations.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much!
(Also, may I suggest to you my all-time favorite children’s book: “Stand Back,” said the Elephant, “I’m Going to Sneeze!” by Patricia Thomas, illustrated by Wallace Tripp, copyright 1971.)
I don't ever remember seeing tat one. Will have to check it out asap! thanks for the tip!
ReplyDeleteMy mother just got me a hardback copy of this book this past holiday. It was my favorite book growing up and the night I got it I read it to my Nephew and he was enthralled!
ReplyDeleteSo question:
Is there any place I could find this book online (ecopy)?
--MD
http://www.amazon.com/Stop-that-Ball-Beginner-Books/dp/0394800109
ReplyDeleteall the places on online seem a little pricey... i think I've seen several copies at one of my local places for a few bucks, so I know they are out there.
My little girl loves this book too! She recites the opening lines every time she plays with her own tether ball (a simple tennis ball on a string). We found it first at the library and are now hunting for our own copy. I was shocked to find it's out of print. Oh well - ebay or Amazon used to the rescue.
ReplyDelete