Mystery of the Missing Ball by Rahere Amolo and Zélie Amolo

MYSTERY OF THE MISSING BALL

in which Ollie meets an AI kitten

by Rahere & Zélie Amolo 

Children's Mystery

41 pages

ages 3 to 7

Mystery of the Missing Ball is a charming addition to any collection of children’s picture books, blending gentle mystery, playful rhymes, and modern themes.

Perfect for parents, grandparents, teachers, and librarians, this children’s book mystery follows Ollie the dog and his clever friend Louie as they solve the puzzling disappearance of a beloved squeaky ball.

With warmth and humor, this funny kids picture book engages young readers in problem-solving while subtly introducing concepts about friendship, teamwork, and even artificial intelligence, through the wise virtual feline, Aïda.

Told in delightful rhyme, this children’s rhyming picture book encourages early literacy, while the colorful, imaginative world makes it a standout among dog picture books for children.
Ideal as a picture story book for kids aged 3–7, it’s also a thoughtful tool for starting conversations about technology and empathy in a safe, age-appropriate way. Whether you’re looking for a kids book about a dog or an uplifting mystery, this story is a joyful, insightful read with lasting impact.

GOODREADS     /      AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Adorable dogs meet a simple mystery with an AI twist to form an enjoyable read.

Ollie loves his ball, but one day, it goes missing. Luckily, his friend Louie hears his distress and rushes to help, but they have no idea where the ball went. So, they get help from Aida, the AI cat. With some hunting, adventure, and thought, they might be able to solve the mystery together.

The illustrations are bright and engaging on every page, and bring across the characters very nicely. All three are fun to meet, and readers will find themselves wishing that they could jump into the pages and join the fun. Ollie's sadness at losing the ball is very understandable and will connect with young readers. The author also handles the mystery side well as the dogs search in various places in a way, which draws readers in. The ending holds a little surprise, and the entire tale opens up for more adventures to come. It fits the age group nicely with a short text, smooth rhyme, and mostly fitting vocabulary level. All of this makes it a nice read-aloud.

One of the main points of this series is the AI character, Aïda. The cat is cute and carries a high-tech look in the illustrations to constantly remind readers what it is. She popped in a bit suddenly without introduction but is adorable and melds right into the plot. The AI cat opens door to the theme and can be used to explore and consider the world of AI versus reality. It's a modern message wrapped in a grabbing mystery with characters to enjoy.

And here they are...

Rahere Amolo, a Singapore-born data scientist now living in Seattle with his wife and three curious children, blends his passion for algorithms with a love of imaginative storytelling. Fascinated by AI’s potential and mindful of its challenges, he strives to equip his kids with the skills and confidence to thrive in a technology-driven future. Inspired by bedtime conversations and whimsical questions like “Where do lost toys go?” and “Can robots purr?”, he created the Ollie and Louie Mysteries series—humorous, heartfelt tales featuring talking animals that introduce young readers to the wonders, quirks, and lessons of emerging technology.

Zélie Amolo is a devoted mother, homeschooler, and lifelong dog lover whose beloved golden retriever, Ollie, inspired the joyful, loyal canine hero of her books. Though Ollie passed from illness two years ago, his spirit lives on in every heartwarming, whimsical tale she writes. Drawing inspiration from cherished people, pets, and the magic of everyday life, Zélie infuses her stories with warmth, imagination, and a touch of gentle nostalgia.