Bouncy: The Basketball That Couldn’t Bounce is a children’s picture book by Jim and Brenda Jones. Bouncy is a happy ball, excited to play and bounce around. He was given as a gift to a young boy and the two of them were ready to go out and have some fun. However, they soon found out that Bouncy was a basketball that could not bounce. Due to his inability to bounce, Bouncy finds himself abandoned, alone, and hopeless. One sunny day, Bouncy notices a young boy playing nearby and courageously calls out to him. The young boy is named Cal. He learns about Bouncy’s troubles and promises to help him find out what he can do. Join these two as they embark on a fun adventure in discovering what makes Bouncy a unique basketball.

Jim and Brenda Jones have created an imaginative and engaging tale with Bouncy: The Basketball That Couldn’t Bounce. Bouncy is a lovable and charming basketball who, unfortunately, has been dealt quite a disappointment: he could not bounce. The book is beautifully illustrated and the adventures of a basketball trying to find his own special way in the world were fascinating to read. The colorful pictures are as vibrant and endearing as Bouncy the basketball. The art really stood out and the style suited the story’s tone. Bouncy’s expressions were captivating and meaningful. I felt that such expressions gave more depth and emotion to the story.

Bouncy’s tale is simple with life-changing lessons: everyone is unique and important, so never give up on finding out what makes you special, and if you share what you have with the world, you never know, you might just end up changing someone’s life. Overall, Bouncy: The Basketball That Couldn’t Bounce is an intriguing, fun, and sweet book about friendship and perseverance. It invited me into a colorful, engaging world and helped me understand the struggles of being different from others but it also helped me appreciate the uniqueness we all possess inside. Great job!

Bouncy: The Basketball That Couldn't Bounce is an illustrated book written by Jim Jones and Brenda Jones. Bouncy is a brand new basketball purchased by a mother for her son as a gift. When the son takes Bouncy to the park to play, he quickly realizes that Bouncy does not bounce. The boy grows angry and discards Bouncy as trash, only for the ball to be discovered by Cal - a young boy who sees a downtrodden Bouncy as his brand new private treasure. When Cal realizes that Bouncy does not bounce, he feels no dismay and is determined to continue to play until he discovers that Bouncy has unique talents all of his very own.

As a Deaf reviewer, I chose this book due to my own experiences with audism and surdophobia. While I felt anger when Bouncy was discarded for not doing what regular balls are supposed to do, this quickly changed to hope and joy when Cal discovers Bouncy and a new chapter of Bouncy's "life" begins. Jim Jones and Brenda Jones have easily captured what it feels like to be rejected due to one's inabilities, before being valued and celebrated for the hidden talents which need to be sought out and discovered. Bouncy: The Basketball that Couldn't Bounce is the perfect tale for readers of all ages, as it shows that for every shortfall a person (or toy/object) has, not giving up and seeking out the true gifts which lie within is what can bring a much brighter tomorrow. I am still smiling at the wonderful and positive outlook Bouncy brings and will purchase a copy so it can go onto the top shelf of my most valued book collection.