Catch!

by Trish Cooke, Ken Wilson-Max (illustrator)

Playing catch with Mom is the best way to explore the world—and finish the day!

A joyful, sensory picture book that captures the tender moments between parent and child. Perfect for curious preschoolers and kindergarteners who love to play!

Kiona and Mom play catch with a ball, an apple, a balloon, some bubbles, and more! Each object feels different to the touch (too “big” or “slippery” or “soft”), and each object seems to fall from Kiona's grasp—but she never gives up.

Finally at the end of a play-filled day, Mom knows just the thing Kiona can catch—and keep forever!

Young kids will enjoy the exploration of touch, and of course, play time with Mom!

Genres: Picture Books, Plays, Sports, Storytime, African American, Childrens, Family

32 pages, Hardcover

Published May 6, 2025

About the author

Trish Cooke is a British playwright, actress, television presenter, scriptwriter and children's author who might be best known for being a presenter on the children's series Playdays. She also wrote under the pseudonym Roselia John Baptiste.

Reviews

[Liz H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catch! is a sweet and heartwarming picture book that celebrates curiosity, persistence, and the special bond between parent and child.

Trish Cooke takes a simple game of catch and transforms it into an engaging exploration of size, observation, and playful learning. Kiona’s attempts to catch different objects create moments of humor and discovery, while the loving interaction with her mother adds warmth and emotional depth. Complemented by Ken Wilson-Max’s bold and inviting illustrations, the story offers a joyful reading experience that is perfect for sharing.

Overall, it’s a valuable read for families, parents, caregivers, educators, librarians, preschool and early elementary readers, and anyone looking for a charming picture book about love, learning, imagination, perseverance, and the everyday moments that strengthen family connections.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kiona and her mom are trying to play catch, but the ball is too big, the apple is too hard, and so on. It takes until bedtime until they figure out somethiing that's easy to catch and stays with you--a kiss. A cute snuggle up story. A cute one for kids struggling to learn how to catch. Could be a good STEAM storytime for toddlers or preschool.

[Jj · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming and sweet; a story of a parent and child shared activity that does not feel artificially constructed.
I love Ken Wilson-Max illustrations--they are ideal for the early childhood audience and this is no exception.

[Meredith · Rating 2 out of 5]

A mother tries to play catch with her toddler who can't catch anything.

This story features the classic childhood game catch and a positive mother-daughter relationship.

The illustrations were done in acrylic.

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple and structured sequencing with a sweet lil' ending.

[Emily Haage · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5+

Sweet story about Kiona and her mom playing catch with various items throughout the day, ending with a kiss that is just the right size.

[Beronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good for a Pre-K visit

[Marcie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't believe how many of the CLEL Bell nominees I read and say "sweet". This one is that and I think will appeal to caregivers perhaps more than the kids.

[Dest · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect toddler/preschool story time book. Also a lovely bedtime story.