Spring 2026

Stop the Ball!

  • Interest Level: Preschool
  • Reading Level: Grade 1

Duck kicks the ball but it flies over the net—where’s it gone? BOOM into the tree, SPLAT in the puddle, DOOGA DOOGA under the bench.

Duck runs, Owl runs, Spider runs, Dog runs—they all run after the ball. Until KERSPLASH it lands in the pool. Uh-oh, there’s a crocodile in the water. It’s too late to stop the ball! Or is it?

Susanne Strasser’s snowballing animal stories that children love are bestsellers in multiple languages. This funny, energetic game takes an unexpected turn after the ball lands in the pool—and ends with a goal, of course.

Format Your Price Add
979-8-7656-8915-8
On pre-order until 02/03/2026
$12.99
979-8-7656-9280-6
On pre-order until 02/03/2026
$16.99
Available at all major wholesalers and distributors. Save 25% off list price on library bound hardcovers and all eBook and eBook with Audio editions when you buy direct! Digital purchases will be accessed on Lerner Digital Bookshelf. An account will be created for you after purchase.
Interest Level Preschool
Reading Level Grade 1
Copyright 2026
Publisher Lerner Publishing Group
Imprint Gecko Press ™
Language English
Number of Pages 24
Publication Date 2026-02-03
Text Type Fiction
BISACS JUV032150, JUV002000, JUV019000
Dewey [E]
Dimensions 8.5 x 8.25
Features Original artwork

Author, Illustrator: Susanne Strasser

Susanne Strasser studied communication design and illustration in Munich and London. She is the author and illustrator of many successful picture books, including this best-selling series of board books about animal friends. She lives with her family in Munich.