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Ping
With the visual ingenuity of Press Here and the emotional resonance of What Do You Do with a Problem?, this wise and timely book about the fragile art of personal connection will strike a chord with children and adults alike.
In the era of social media, communication feels both more anxiety-producing, and more inescapable, than ever before. This clever, comforting picture book debut explores the challenges and joys of self-expression and social connection.
Using an imaginative visual metaphor to bring to life how we send out (ping!) and receive (pong!) communications, Ani Castillo's words and pictures will empower and inspire anyone who has experienced the fear of sharing themselves with the world.
With an artful, accessible package, an eloquent message, and a lot of heart, here is a new classic to bring courage and comfort to humans of all ages.
In the era of social media, communication feels both more anxiety-producing, and more inescapable, than ever before. This clever, comforting picture book debut explores the challenges and joys of self-expression and social connection.
Using an imaginative visual metaphor to bring to life how we send out (ping!) and receive (pong!) communications, Ani Castillo's words and pictures will empower and inspire anyone who has experienced the fear of sharing themselves with the world.
With an artful, accessible package, an eloquent message, and a lot of heart, here is a new classic to bring courage and comfort to humans of all ages.
49 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2019
1 person is currently reading
107 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
September 26, 2019
3 stars.
Excellent idea, confusing storyline.
This book uses the metaphor of “pinging” to send out our communication into the world. (Smiles, gestures, singing, etc.). We want to only choose to send positive and honest pings. Then we wait to see what “pong” we will receive back from others.
My four and five-year-old were confused by this storyline. I liked the general idea of it, but I don’t think it was executed in the way the author intended. Once I explained it to my children, I think they understood, but it took a little discussion for them to wrap their little minds around the concept.
Thank you to Hachette Book Group for sending me a physical copy to read and review with my children.
Excellent idea, confusing storyline.
This book uses the metaphor of “pinging” to send out our communication into the world. (Smiles, gestures, singing, etc.). We want to only choose to send positive and honest pings. Then we wait to see what “pong” we will receive back from others.
My four and five-year-old were confused by this storyline. I liked the general idea of it, but I don’t think it was executed in the way the author intended. Once I explained it to my children, I think they understood, but it took a little discussion for them to wrap their little minds around the concept.
Thank you to Hachette Book Group for sending me a physical copy to read and review with my children.
September 17, 2019
This book is one big metaphor, with ping pong standing in for personal connection. As an adult, I can appreciate the message. I have my doubts, however, as to whether kids (especially younger ones) are going to "get it".
The simple text likens life to a game of ping pong. What you put out there are "pings" and what comes back to you are "pongs". You can only control the pings, not the pongs. The book basically acts like a simple instruction manual for connecting with others and with the world at large. It's fine, as a premise.
The illustrations leave me a bit cold. They're too simple for my taste. They clearly convey their message, but they're not especially fun to look at.
This is a book that will probably be overlooked because it's a picture book. But I can see it actually having more value to older readers (middle grade and up, probably). Younger children might like the bright colours and the funny-looking characters, but the message will likely go over their heads (especially since they're too young to have withdrawn into the world of virtual connection yet).
The simple text likens life to a game of ping pong. What you put out there are "pings" and what comes back to you are "pongs". You can only control the pings, not the pongs. The book basically acts like a simple instruction manual for connecting with others and with the world at large. It's fine, as a premise.
The illustrations leave me a bit cold. They're too simple for my taste. They clearly convey their message, but they're not especially fun to look at.
This is a book that will probably be overlooked because it's a picture book. But I can see it actually having more value to older readers (middle grade and up, probably). Younger children might like the bright colours and the funny-looking characters, but the message will likely go over their heads (especially since they're too young to have withdrawn into the world of virtual connection yet).
February 8, 2020
This is me, sending out my Ping into the world. What a wonderful, wonderful book.
January 15, 2020
OMG, everyone should read this.
July 15, 2021
A mazing short book , new idea about communication what we do and bring a reaction to us
كتاب رائع فكرة جديدة عن التواصل ما نفعله و رد الفعل .. جميل جدا
كتاب رائع فكرة جديدة عن التواصل ما نفعله و رد الفعل .. جميل جدا
November 20, 2019
My next Ping is this review...
I LOVED this book. I think is delivers a concept that is really hard, as social humans, to deal with and accept. It teaches children that something you cannot do is control other's reactions to your interactions with them. You cannot make someone smile back at you, you can't make people be kind, you can't make people want to spend time with you.. But all you can do is make sure that you're being the best person you can be. I think this can be a really frustrating this as a child, for example, when there is someone that you really want to be friends with but they don't seem to want to be friends with you. That is ok, they're allowed to do that, all you can do is just be yourself.
I LOVED this book. I think is delivers a concept that is really hard, as social humans, to deal with and accept. It teaches children that something you cannot do is control other's reactions to your interactions with them. You cannot make someone smile back at you, you can't make people be kind, you can't make people want to spend time with you.. But all you can do is make sure that you're being the best person you can be. I think this can be a really frustrating this as a child, for example, when there is someone that you really want to be friends with but they don't seem to want to be friends with you. That is ok, they're allowed to do that, all you can do is just be yourself.
February 20, 2020
As Ping Pong Porter himself, I might be a little biased here, but I think this is one of the best picture books I’ve read. Simple, cute, and thought-provoking for people of any age.
What will you ping next?
What will you ping next?
December 24, 2019
A powerful, meaningful story that resonates with anyone of any age. Great for family story time.
January 28, 2021
This is both simple and sophisticated. Using ping-pong paddles as a metaphor, Ani Castillo shows that each person is responsible for the pings that they send out into the universe. The response, the pong, is up to the universe. Pings can be expressed in many different ways and intensities, with varying audiences. The responses can be favorable, disappointing, unexpected. Sometimes expending all of our pings can be exhausting and we will need time to rest/process the pongs we receive. But, she encourages everyone to ping "freely, generously, curiously, passionately, tirelessly, bravely, and wisely..." An enthuastic and thoughtful book that could generate some interesting conversation with little ones.
November 4, 2019
Ping visually represents the idea that as people we give out feelings, actions and experiences whilst everyone else responds to our ‘ping’ with their ‘pong’. We can not control how other people respond to what we do, if they even respond at all and that’s the message this books is sending. The colours, text and page layouts of this book are relatively simple but that means the message of the book is retained to whole way through and is what we as readers are directed to focus on.
Reading this book has a nice flowing rhythm to it which would make it fun to read aloud and discussions could then be had about what different people take from this book. Some may see it as encouragement for them to share more of themselves with people and come out of their shells so to speak. Whereas others may take the fact that maybe they need to listen to others more instead of focusing on themselves all the time.
Overall, a cute book with a simple yet powerful message shown in way that we wouldn’t normally expect.
Reading this book has a nice flowing rhythm to it which would make it fun to read aloud and discussions could then be had about what different people take from this book. Some may see it as encouragement for them to share more of themselves with people and come out of their shells so to speak. Whereas others may take the fact that maybe they need to listen to others more instead of focusing on themselves all the time.
Overall, a cute book with a simple yet powerful message shown in way that we wouldn’t normally expect.
December 17, 2019
HELLO THIS IS SO CUTE.
It's a picture book. I don't have thought-provoking opinions.
This is basically sending a message where, you could be the nicest to everyone you meet, but that doesn't mean everyone will be nice back. For every ping, there is a pong, but it is okay if you don't get your pong. That doesn't mean you stop pinging.
Anyways, adorable. So cute.
It's a picture book. I don't have thought-provoking opinions.
This is basically sending a message where, you could be the nicest to everyone you meet, but that doesn't mean everyone will be nice back. For every ping, there is a pong, but it is okay if you don't get your pong. That doesn't mean you stop pinging.
Anyways, adorable. So cute.
June 2, 2021
Uses ping-pong as a metaphor to introduce mindful communication skills. You can only ping; the pong is up to the other person! You have to ping to get pongs! You don't know what the pong will be, but it will always have something to teach you! This is cute and good!!!
January 24, 2022
(lu en français) J'ai adoré cette histoire de connexion avec les autres, avec le monde, autour de soi, qui amène aussi son lot de défis. Et le petit personnage de Ping est cute comme c'est pas possible.
October 21, 2019
This is both a very simplistically told story yet with a hugely deep and meaningful metaphor throughout - I almost feel it's one of those books intended for adults otherwise the message is slightly lost in translation but still enjoyable for children nonetheless - the illustrations are super cute!
April 8, 2020
Super duper cute! I love the message that this children's book had to offer. The language is simple and pictures are clear. I do find however that the subject matter was quite abstract. Would definitely recommend for kids who are a little bit older!
September 17, 2019
The illustrations are charming and the premise strong. I just felt it lost its charm by hammering the point too hard.
July 20, 2021
Las mejores historias no necesitan un sentido trascendental ni un lenguaje acrobático para llegar justo al corazón y el sentimiento infantil más primitivo.
Si buscan algo como Dostoievski en desarrollo y ejecución de la idea creo que necesitan revisar la portada antes de continuar con la frustración de su lectura.
Esta es una historia entrañable, elemental y básica. Perfecto como primer libro para un peque, con una enseñanza bien esencial que uno como adulto pierde fácil de vista sin darse cuenta.
Si buscan algo como Dostoievski en desarrollo y ejecución de la idea creo que necesitan revisar la portada antes de continuar con la frustración de su lectura.
Esta es una historia entrañable, elemental y básica. Perfecto como primer libro para un peque, con una enseñanza bien esencial que uno como adulto pierde fácil de vista sin darse cuenta.
January 19, 2020
Cute childrens book about making human connections in an era filled with social media. It's definitely a great message for kids of a certain age (and adults) as social media plays a huge part in our lives these days. Overal an enjoyable book :)N
February 8, 2024
A philosophical look at reciprocation and the ins and outs of putting yourself out there with the expectation of getting nothing back but recognizing this is everything. It will make you pause and wonder many things. Am I pinging even when it's scary? Are they good pings? How about pongs? Do I pong to the best of my character? How about my intentions when it comes to both?!? When do I need to pause when pinging and ponging? What if I wait too long?!? How do others ping/pong? This book will have you thinking for days and potentially creating a small ping pong tournament inside your head.
March 6, 2020
Ping is a picture book written for ages 4 to 8 years. Ping tells the story of the give and the take of developing ourselves and other personal connections. From the front cover I really had no idea where the story was going to go but after reading it I was glad I did. It felt like something unique for younger children because I feel it's not something that is typically addressed. I think the biggest part of the story is defining what “Ping” means to you. The story tells us of all the ways we can ping. Through singing, through art, through poems, or a trip. The different ways we can ping, bravely, adventurously, kindly, passionately. And in response you must wait for a “Pong”. Based on the way the ping and the pong are described in the story I feel as though the story is generally about the way you treat others and how that is reflected back in the way the universe treats you. Sort of taking treat yourself the way you want to be treated to another level. in the story The Character is constantly being polite and expressing themselves in positive ways in order to make others happy and showing them that they care. Towards the end it was time to receive the pong. We questioned whether it is something to learn, to think about, to be thankful for, to challenge you, something to keep, or something to let go. Ultimately saying that we are constantly going through different things in our lives. At some point we're going to receive all of these pongs and it can take time to get through them, but you can make sure that you stay positive and are constantly pinging. I feel like the story might be harder for children to understand on a deeper level. They may be focused on the words ping and pong and not really understanding how they translate in this story. That could be a point that turns some children away, but I also do think that overall it's a nice story and it left me wanting to reflect a bit more on my life journey thus far.
October 9, 2019
Ping was a source of curiosity, that cover and how it landed it on all the lists. Oh, my. Think how picture books like Yamada’s question series (What Do You Do with an Idea? …a Problem?, etc.) resonate with an adult readership, to say nothing of the child audiences. Ping is one I will be recommending to my creative friends who’ve put themselves out there on social media.
Ani Castillo uses the game of Ping Pong to talk about the call and response of relationships. Our Ping may receive a Pong in response and that response can be any number of “feelings, intentions, or ideas” (jacket copy). What I love is how Castillo reminds us that “although it’s good to image the best possible Ping. I helps to remember that it is not up to you.” She acknowledges how Pongs aren’t always going to be positive, but continues on, herself, in the positive, encouraging the reader to Ping “freely”, “curiously”, “mindfully”, etc. And she includes the reminder that after we Ping, there is a time to wait for the Pong. As with the game, after we Ping, we anticipate a Pong, and Castillo takes time to explore what that could look like.
The illustrations are bright and expressive, as straightforward and as certain as the text (which is big enough for your beginning readers). The inspirational listings of how we can Ping are accompanied by simple action-focused-images that could translate into adding options of your own.
Castillo’s use of my favorite color notwithstanding, I’m so excited about this picture book. I would’ve owned it with the daughter (I might still with her aged 19.) It’s a good gift, to yourself, or to anyone one special in your life whether they are an adult or child.
Recommended for all the libraries.
Ani Castillo uses the game of Ping Pong to talk about the call and response of relationships. Our Ping may receive a Pong in response and that response can be any number of “feelings, intentions, or ideas” (jacket copy). What I love is how Castillo reminds us that “although it’s good to image the best possible Ping. I helps to remember that it is not up to you.” She acknowledges how Pongs aren’t always going to be positive, but continues on, herself, in the positive, encouraging the reader to Ping “freely”, “curiously”, “mindfully”, etc. And she includes the reminder that after we Ping, there is a time to wait for the Pong. As with the game, after we Ping, we anticipate a Pong, and Castillo takes time to explore what that could look like.
The illustrations are bright and expressive, as straightforward and as certain as the text (which is big enough for your beginning readers). The inspirational listings of how we can Ping are accompanied by simple action-focused-images that could translate into adding options of your own.
Castillo’s use of my favorite color notwithstanding, I’m so excited about this picture book. I would’ve owned it with the daughter (I might still with her aged 19.) It’s a good gift, to yourself, or to anyone one special in your life whether they are an adult or child.
Recommended for all the libraries.
September 1, 2021
This picture book is a simple yet lovely metaphor about little and big acts of kindness and the importance of being kind.
I love how this book also teaches you that you may not see a ‘Pong’ in return for showing kindness, which I feel is really important in teaching children that not everyone receives kindness in the same way and may not reciprocate. The book reminds us that we may not receive a ‘Pong’ but we are not responsible for that, only for the ‘Pings’ that we display.
This is such a lovely and simple metaphor to pick apart with children which can easily be made into an interactive lesson with ping pong balls and spreading kindness. This would be particularly good to look at on Random Acts of Kindness week (or any other week at all really!)
It lists both the obvious and subtle ways we can ping to each other and the world, whether it’s a big act or small, whether to friends, strangers, or everyone. It covers receiving a ‘Pong’ and what it could teach us, make us think about, challenge us or even give us something to be thankful for. It looks at both sides of kindness and the effect, and can help children think about being more sympathetic and thoughtful to others near and far!
I love how this book also teaches you that you may not see a ‘Pong’ in return for showing kindness, which I feel is really important in teaching children that not everyone receives kindness in the same way and may not reciprocate. The book reminds us that we may not receive a ‘Pong’ but we are not responsible for that, only for the ‘Pings’ that we display.
This is such a lovely and simple metaphor to pick apart with children which can easily be made into an interactive lesson with ping pong balls and spreading kindness. This would be particularly good to look at on Random Acts of Kindness week (or any other week at all really!)
It lists both the obvious and subtle ways we can ping to each other and the world, whether it’s a big act or small, whether to friends, strangers, or everyone. It covers receiving a ‘Pong’ and what it could teach us, make us think about, challenge us or even give us something to be thankful for. It looks at both sides of kindness and the effect, and can help children think about being more sympathetic and thoughtful to others near and far!
November 9, 2021
I have mixed feelings about this one.
I love the fact that it specifically talks about the different ways someone can 'ping' - that the ways we show kindness and affection are different for everyone.
I also love how it teaches that you are never owed a 'pong' - that whether someone responds to our kindness, how they do so, or when, is not within our control and should not be expected.
The overall moral and core of this books is something I truly love.
However, I found the layout, and the extension of the metaphor itself to be really confusing for me:
The sentence text is often in strange places on the page so can be hard to follow.
The illustrations of the little Ping within the ping-pong ball were honestly a little unnerving.
And the metaphor itself just seemed to go on for too long, and it kept adding on more information to the point where it just overwhelmed me too much.
I'm not sure how well children would relate to this without firm structure and explanation from an adult, but it definitely carries a moral I would encourage.
I love the fact that it specifically talks about the different ways someone can 'ping' - that the ways we show kindness and affection are different for everyone.
I also love how it teaches that you are never owed a 'pong' - that whether someone responds to our kindness, how they do so, or when, is not within our control and should not be expected.
The overall moral and core of this books is something I truly love.
However, I found the layout, and the extension of the metaphor itself to be really confusing for me:
The sentence text is often in strange places on the page so can be hard to follow.
The illustrations of the little Ping within the ping-pong ball were honestly a little unnerving.
And the metaphor itself just seemed to go on for too long, and it kept adding on more information to the point where it just overwhelmed me too much.
I'm not sure how well children would relate to this without firm structure and explanation from an adult, but it definitely carries a moral I would encourage.
March 28, 2023
This book has some nice qualities and makes you feel good; however, it is not a favorite of mine or my kids.
The premise of the book used ping-pong as an analogy. Meaning; if you give, say a smile, that is the ping, and you may receive a pong back, “others” may reciprocate in some manner. What could go wrong with the book right?
Well, a few things could go wrong, because the book focuses so much on “the ping”, the “pong” connection is vaguely made and comes much later in the book. Obviously, children’s books today have a focus that is more centered around the feel good story of “what you can do for others”, so this was not a deal breaker. I also liked that the “pong” was not a guarantee; with that said, there is a statement in the book about it taking a lot of “pings” to get a lot of “pongs” and this sounds suspiciously like do what you can to get a lot of likes to me.
Overall, I am not certain this is really the message I want to convey to my children even though the book is a very positive and uplifting book.
The premise of the book used ping-pong as an analogy. Meaning; if you give, say a smile, that is the ping, and you may receive a pong back, “others” may reciprocate in some manner. What could go wrong with the book right?
Well, a few things could go wrong, because the book focuses so much on “the ping”, the “pong” connection is vaguely made and comes much later in the book. Obviously, children’s books today have a focus that is more centered around the feel good story of “what you can do for others”, so this was not a deal breaker. I also liked that the “pong” was not a guarantee; with that said, there is a statement in the book about it taking a lot of “pings” to get a lot of “pongs” and this sounds suspiciously like do what you can to get a lot of likes to me.
Overall, I am not certain this is really the message I want to convey to my children even though the book is a very positive and uplifting book.
March 12, 2022
If you enjoyed Spark, also by Ani Castillo, then I'm positive you will like Ping too. While both can be read separately, I feel like they complement each other and belong together on a bookshelf. Ping is a book about overcoming the fear and challenges of communication to find human connection, empathy, and love. It reminds me of the wisdom of the Serenity Prayer, with its combined simplicity and profundity. There are many cute illustrations, portraying little vignettes that encourage the reader to relate or imagine themselves in a variety of scenarios. It's a great resource to encourage young readers to express themselves, remain open to feedback, and be compassionate when responding to someone else. If you're going to "ping" something into the universe, why not let it be an act of love? Thanks to Ani Castillo for reminding us of this timeless wisdom.
January 13, 2020
This picture book uses ping pong to illustrate how the only thing a person can control is his/her own actions.
”We can only ping. The pong belongs to the other. You Ping. They Pong. They Pong. You Ping.”
Using the game ping pong and the computer function “ping” as metaphors, this picture books explains to young readers in second person the process of how we as humans act and react, send and receive. It encourages young readers to ping in a variety of ways.
A person “pings” through creative self-expression or everyday actions, and others “pong” in response. Individuals can only control his/her “ping” and can’t control the “pong” of others. Examples of pings as well as responses to the pongs one will receive in return are included.
The morals are both to be aware of what you are sending out into the world and that the only thing you have control over is your reaction.
”We can only ping. The pong belongs to the other. You Ping. They Pong. They Pong. You Ping.”
Using the game ping pong and the computer function “ping” as metaphors, this picture books explains to young readers in second person the process of how we as humans act and react, send and receive. It encourages young readers to ping in a variety of ways.
A person “pings” through creative self-expression or everyday actions, and others “pong” in response. Individuals can only control his/her “ping” and can’t control the “pong” of others. Examples of pings as well as responses to the pongs one will receive in return are included.
The morals are both to be aware of what you are sending out into the world and that the only thing you have control over is your reaction.
January 5, 2023
Ping-pong is used in this picture book as a metaphor to represent communication. You can only ping; the pong is up to the other person. You have to ping to get pongs! You don't know what the pong will be--sometimes it will be pleasant and sometimes not.
The pings are illustrated with red, and the pongs with blue, which may help young children understand this rather abstract concept.
The initial idea was more accessible than the later pages which expanded on the kinds of pings a person can make, and the kinds of pongs that may be returned.
An interesting presentation--I wonder what our school counselors and social workers would think of it?
The pings are illustrated with red, and the pongs with blue, which may help young children understand this rather abstract concept.
The initial idea was more accessible than the later pages which expanded on the kinds of pings a person can make, and the kinds of pongs that may be returned.
An interesting presentation--I wonder what our school counselors and social workers would think of it?
November 11, 2019
This was a really simple yet effective book revolving on the idea that as humans we give out so much to the world, whether it is love, friendship, our talents and ideas etc. Castillo uses the idea of playing ping pong to highlight that sometimes we may not get the same energy that we give out (ping) back (the pong). The key message to keep pinging in life no matter how many pongs you receive is something so important to share with children who are still understanding how to how to develop socially in a world.
April 1, 2021
I was given this book by the publisher. I am donating it to my school library.
This is a darling book and a great way to help with conversations about social-emotional learning. We control only ourselves (what we PING out into the world). We cannot control what comes back to us (what PONGS back.) I will definitely be reading this with my students. Maybe paired with Thank You, Omu!?
This is a darling book and a great way to help with conversations about social-emotional learning. We control only ourselves (what we PING out into the world). We cannot control what comes back to us (what PONGS back.) I will definitely be reading this with my students. Maybe paired with Thank You, Omu!?
August 29, 2019
I think the illustrations in this book will capture the attention of small children. They may not get the message yet, but this would be a good story to read to children at different developmental stages. So that the message of our Pings (what we send out) and the Pongs (what we receive back) the feelings and intentions, is instilled in them. To understand responses and the joy of self expression. I really loved this book and I know my niece will too.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews