"Billy Ball" introduces young readers to a kind-hearted baseball boy
Wisconsin Eagle/10242864

GREEN BAY, Wis. - WisconsinEagle -- Homelessness is a situation all too common for many children across the USA. Despite this, the concept of not having a place to call home can be difficult to grasp for those who are fortunate to enjoy a safe, stable living environment. Authors Amy Matz Bolle and Tony Pichler, supported by eye-catching illustrations by Val Lambert, deliver a heart-warming lesson in compassion, sharing, and unconditional friendship in the new children's book, There is No Place Like Home: Billy Ball Meets a Friend. (M&B Global Solutions Inc.)

The book's main character is Billy Ball, a walking, talking baseball who lives an idyllic life and enjoys going to school. Like most children, he assumes all of his classmates have plenty to eat and a nice place to call home every night just like he does. Billy's view of the world receives a jolt when he learns his new friend, CJ, does not enjoy the same comforts. In fact, CJ's family lives in a car, and the free lunch program at school often accounts for his only meal.

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"Amy Matz Bolle, Tony Pichler, and Val Lambert put a human name and face to a reality many children encounter, but don't have a framework to relate," comments Steve Meyer, author of God Plays a Purple Banjo and Jesus Wears Socks with Sandals. "Along with Billy Ball, we learn that 'happily ever after' doesn't belong to a fairytale castle on a cloud, but rather to the kindness in our heart."

Amy Matz Bolle has been a director of religious education for more than 25 years. She is currently the director of religious education at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Neenah, Wisconsin. Tony Pichler has served the Catholic Church in various capacities for more than 35 years. He is co-founder of St. John the Evangelist Homeless Shelter and the non-profit Whatsoever You Do, Inc. He currently serves as the mission outreach director at Resurrection Parish in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Val Lambert, is a comic and story artist from Neenah, Wisconsin.

There is No Place Like Home: Billy Ball Meets a Friend is available in paperback and digital formats on Amazon at https://amzn.to/3Yh4iFR. It is also available locally at Resurrection Catholic Church in Green Bay and St. Margaret Mary Parish in Neenah, Wisconsin.