Henry and Pawl and the Round Yellow Ball - Hardcover

Mary GrandPrÂŽ created the illustrations for the famed Harry Potter series.

Kindergarten-Grade 2–The two things Henry loves most are making pictures and his dog, while Pawl is passionate about his owner and his yellow ball. After the boy receives a much-desired art kit for his birthday, he is frustrated that he is unable to create a work that is "important...special...GREAT!" As he and his pet explore the neighborhood in search of ideas, Pawl's ball goes missing and the dog is brokenhearted. While trying to comfort him, Henry is finally struck by inspiration. He makes several drawings, each showing a bright yellow ball and the word "lost," and posts them around town. The toy is soon returned. Now Henry, attended by his canine companion, has no problem finding "wonderful things to paint." Done in a variety of mediums, the colorful artwork conveys the action and provides glimpses into Henry's world. Changing perspectives, detailed settings, and solid interaction between the characters keep the pictures interesting. While the happily-ever-after ending seems a bit contrived, this story deals with issues that should interest children with a creative bent. Henry's frustrations over his abilities are realistically portrayed, as is the antidote to his problem: looking beyond his own concerns to empathize with a friend's feelings.–Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal
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