The Missing Ball — Maryanne Bester

Gaps, the endearing Nguni calf, and his cousin Sugarbean -- named because of her speckled, sugar bean-like hide -- want to play a game of soccer before sundown, but they must first find their missing ball, hidden somewhere in Africa's vast, majestic landscape. With a quirky African take on a situation all kids can relate to -- losing a favorite toy -- this visually engaging tale continues the series' trend of entertaining children while exposing them to a unique and exciting culture.