Happy Friday dear friends! Lots of people love Friday because it signals the end of the week and for many, a couple of days off from work. But for me, it signals a chance to read and review another awesome picture book. And tomorrow we’ll be treated to an insightful Q&A with debut picture book author Ariel Bernstein.
But first, we have a copy of HELLO, MY NAME IS TIGER to give away.
And the winner is….
Elizabeth Curry
Congratulations, Elizabeth…I will contact you.
I HAVE A BALLOON
Written by Ariel Bernstein
Illustrated by Scott Magoon
Ages 4-8
Themes: Being happy with what you have
Opening Lines: “I have a balloon.”
Synopsis:
From Amazon:
“Owl has a red balloon. Monkey does not. “That red balloon matches my shiny red tie,” says Monkey. “I’d look fancy walking to school with a shiny red balloon. The only thing I’ve ever wanted, since right now, is a shiny, big red balloon. It would make me SO HAPPY!” But Owl does not want to give it to him. So Monkey tries to find something that Owl wants: a teddy bear, a robot, a picture of TEN balloons. Owl does not want any of these things. But then, Monkey offers him…a sock!
Hmmmmm…Owl is intrigued. Will he trade his shiny red balloon with Monkey?”
Why I like this book:
- Fun text!
- Fun illustrations!
- A message we can all relate to, parents as well as kids! And a great opportunity to talk about wanting what we have, not having what we want.
Related Activities
BALLOON BOWL
Photo courtesy:https://diyprojects.com/homemade-balloon-bowl/
You will need: 1 balloon (inflated), colored paper, scissors, glue.
For detailed instructions: https://diyprojects.com/homemade-balloon-bowl/
Just like the characters in I HAVE A BALLOON, kids often want what others have. This book is a perfect launchpad for a discussion about being happy with what you have. Perhaps this balloon bowl can serve as a blessing bowl for your child. Help your child fill out slips of paper with things he/she is grateful for and place them in the bowl.
By the way, dear friends, thanks to debut picture book author Ariel Bernstein, we have a giveaway of a copy of I HAVE A BALLOON. Don’t forget to leave a comment to be entered. And remember…the greatest gift you can give an author, other than buying their book and reading it to a child, is to write a review on Amazon and/or Goodreads.
Don’t forget to be back tomorrow when Ariel stops by to chat and to share a super recipe for a fabulous chocolate chip cookie recipe…this one is made with OATMEAL!
Be safe this last weekend of summer…and please join me in praying for all who are impacted by Hurricane Harvey…those who have lost everything…those who have left safe havens to help others…so many kidliters I know live RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF IT! Keeping you all close to my heart! Author Kate Messner has organized a KIDLITCARES auction to benefit the Red Cross Relief effort for Hurricane Harvey…please visit and bid: KidLitCares auction for Hurricane Harvey relief efforts
/
Vivian, I love the balloon ball activity. Great review. Thank you for featuring this fun book.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad you enjoyed it,Maria. I think the balloon ball would be a great party activity for kids,right? And they could each take one home with treats inside. 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks for reading and commenting, Maria! The balloon ball activity looks like a winner!
LikeLike
This book sounds lovely, Vivian. I’m intrigued as to the resolution of the story. Your balloon bowl is a perfect accompaniment to the story and its message. Thanks for sharing this one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Norah! I hope you enjoy the resolution 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sure I will. 🙂
LikeLike
I’ve been lucky enough to read I HAVE A BALLOON already, and to share it it’s my kids, and let me tell you, it is soooo funny. The exchanges between Monkey & Owl will feel very familiar to kids. I can’t wait to try out this craft with my girls!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hearing that kids like the book is the BEST thing ever!! Thanks, Katey!
LikeLike
Such an important book with a great message. Like that it is delivered with humor. Such a great cover! Looks like it will be a winner with children.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much for the kind words, Patricia! I also love Scott Magoon’s amazing cover!
LikeLike
Sounds like this book will go down as a classic. Love the theme.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! Such a wonderful comment to read 🙂
LikeLike
This sounds like a great book for my grandchildren. And perhaps for me!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope that you and your grandchildren enjoy it, Jeanine!
LikeLike
What a fun theme to explore in a picture book, to want what another child has – especially when we’re talking about a big, red balloon. Strange, but I’m suddenly craving one, too. Well, I’m off to check out this book. I HAVE to find out if Owl will exchange his treasure for Monkey’s sock.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Leslie! Those red balloons are very tempting 🙂
LikeLike
What an important theme for young children & I love the craft – so colorful & important to remember to count our blessings.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much! I’m very happy to know people are responding well to the theme!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Can’t wait to see this one! Congratulations on your debut, Ariel!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Beth! I appreciate it!
LikeLike
I also enjoy the message of this book and it’s told in a fun way. The balloon bowl pictured is gorgeous and I want to try this activity, including the bowl to be used as a blessings bowl too. Congrats on your debut as a picture book author!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Danielle! I want to try the balloon craft soon too!
LikeLike
Vivian, thank you for sharing Ariel and Scott’s new book. It looks like a fun read. Congrats to author and illustrator!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much for the kind words!
LikeLike
So simple, but sounds wonderful!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLike
Yes, prayers for Texas……
LikeLike
It feels good to be part of Kate Messner’s wonderful relief effort.
LikeLike
A wonderful theme for this balloon story! Looking forward to reading it!
LikeLike
Thank you, Tina! I hope you’ll enjoy it!
LikeLike
Congratulations!!! The cover illustration says, “open me”! I think I must get this book for a mentor text. Thinking of a manuscript that sits in a drawer….no balloon, but similar theme. Thanks for sharing!
LikeLike
Thank you, Mona! I couldn’t have asked for a better cover!
LikeLike
Oh my goodness–I won! 🙂 I can’t wait-Thanks Vivian. And I look forward to reading I HAVE A BALLOON. The balloon ball is so pretty.
LikeLike
I’m intrigued by this book: what a great way to present such an important theme! Thanks for bringing it to my attention, Vivian!
LikeLike
Looks adorable! Congrats Ariel on your debut PB!
LikeLike