Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie Kingsley
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Warm story of individuality and achieving a perfect splash.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 3+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
CANNONBALL is the story of a young Maori child trying to learn how to do the perfect cannonball. Everyone around him has advice for how to fix the fact that even his belly flops only produce a tiny splash, and nothing works. But everything changes when his fearless Nan advises him to listen to his own voice, find his own style, and be himself.
Is It Any Good?
Beyond this book's inspiring message of individuality and persistence, there's a rhythm to the writing here that amplifies the message and makes the text more accessible to early readers. Nan's advice to listen to the voice inside and not to rely on others for a solution is reassuring, and there's a sweet sadness to the scene where he's curled up on her lap, disappointed. Cannonball's colorful pages and perfectly captured facial expressions and transport readers to the end of the diving board (or on a rock, a branch, or play structure), where they can relate to finding the courage to jump -- and hoping for an epic landing.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about an obstacle like Cannonball that they've been nervous to try. Did you listen to other people's advice? What helped you finally do it, or are you still trying?
What advice have you given to other people when they're trying something new?
What other books about fun in water have you read?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Josh Morgan
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Adventures
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
- Publication date : June 2, 2020
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 7
- Number of pages : 40
- Available on : Hardback, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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