Sorry Bruce Handy, but I am not digging the mostly wordless text to the story called Balloon. It is Julie Kwon’s illustrations that captured my attention and kept me moving along. However, I love the story that inspired your book. I really love that your son named his cat Balloon in honor of the lost balloon. And yes, the cat of your daughter has an equally cool name. I love unusual names for pets and I can only think of a few other names that I would like as much (Tail for a Dog and Mr. Bo Jangles for a cat (because he danced) do come to mind.)
And with that said, thank you for your story. One of my coworkers adored your picture book Balloon and Kwon’s illustrations. I borrowed some words they used: beloved item and the excitement of finding something new. Their praise equals the expression of the package. Because of their review I read a copy. Because I read it, I am now thinking about your book. How it did make me happy. I love the kitten in the end (I am partial to kittens and cats myself). And I will be recommending the book.
This is mostly because of the lighthearted, brightly colored images that are terribly sweet and quite fun. There are hidden little gems throughout the story as the child walks along thinking they have found their beloved lost balloon. The color orange is not always in stories (a fact I find distressing as it’s my nephews favorite color) and as the cover shows it plays an important role. And it’s not just the orange, all the colors come to life. Best for the younger crowd who can make up a story to accompany the images, it is a sweet anytime read.
Though currently available I was able to locate an online reader copy.
