Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday, dear friends. I’ve been away, visiting family in Chicago…came back for a few days…and this weekend I am off to Tom’s River, New Jersey, to stay for a week with my best friend of 70 years. We will definitely be remembering all the good times we had over the years. And with that thought in mind, I decided that Jessie Oliveros’ debut picture book, THE REMEMBER BALLOONS, would be the perfect book to review today!
THE REMEMBER BALLOONS
Written by Jessie Oliveros
Illustrated by Dana Wulfekotte
Published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (August 28, 2018)
Ages: 5-8
Themes: Alzheimer’s, dementia, grandparents
Synopsis: From Amazon: What’s Happening to Grandpa meets Up in this tender, sensitive picture book that gently explains the memory loss associated with aging and diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
James’s Grandpa has the best balloons because he has the best memories. He has balloons showing Dad when he was young and Grandma when they were married. Grandpa has balloons about camping and Aunt Nelle’s poor cow. Grandpa also has a silver balloon filled with the memory of a fishing trip he and James took together.
But when Grandpa’s balloons begin to float away, James is heartbroken. No matter how hard he runs, James can’t catch them. One day, Grandpa lets go of the silver balloon—and he doesn’t even notice!
Grandpa no longer has balloons of his own. But James has many more than before. It’s up to him to share those balloons, one by one.
Why I like this book:
- Heartfelt text helps young kids grasp how we build memories as we grow up…and how some of us lose memories as we get older…this is a difficult concept for children…but using the various color balloons to signify memories was a stroke of genius.
- Wonderful illustrations with diverse characters – the color palette is reserved for the balloons which is extremely effective in highlighting the importance of memories.
- Many children are impacted when grandparents or other relatives suffer from Alzheimers or other memory-robbing diseases…reading this book will provide parents and teachers with a great opportunity to talk with kids about the problem.
RELATED ACTIVITIES
BALLOON CRAFTS AND GAMES
Photo courtesy: https://handsonaswegrow.com
For detailed instructions: https://handsonaswegrow.com/28-ways-to-play-with-balloons/
Multigenerational activities are good for the young and the old: https://www.familyeducation.com/videos/12-great-activities-grandparents-grandchildren
Thank you so much for stopping by, dear friends. I’m always grateful for your comments and your company. It’s hard to believe the summer is in it’s final days…have a safe and happy Labor Day weekend.
VIVIAN KIRKFIELD - Writer for Children 
A beautiful book Vivian. Thank you for sharing. Memories is a universal theme and it is well portrayed in this lovely book. Best, Lily
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Wow, this sounds like a beautiful, helpful book. Thanks for bringing it to my attention, Vivian. Have a great time this weekend sharing memories and making a few more!
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What a beautiful theme! This one for.my own library I think. Have a wonderful trip to visit your friend, Vivian. Sounds.like you’ve had a summer full of love, which you so deserve! 💗💗💗
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This looks like a beautiful book! So happy to see it out there for kids. And, Vivian, you must really treasure a friendship that lasts that long! That’s amazing!
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I think I’m going to love this book! Thanks, Vivian! And safe travels! Share those balloons!
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What a delightful and touching book. Something many families will enjoy and use.
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What a beautiful story. The more stories out their for kids to understand memory loss and aging grandparents, the better. Will have to read this book!
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I love the concept of this story. It seems like it could open up some beautiful conversations (and the illustrations look eye catching as well!).
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I can’t wait to read this book. Just started writing a PB with the same theme.
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Thank you, Vivian, for sharing this book. I had not heard about it, and can’t wait to get it for my grandson who’s other papa is suffering from memory loss.s
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How timely. Maybe not just for young children.
Actually we are all children no matter what
our age, are we not. Suggest she might have additional audiences.
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I read this book earlier this week – it is hauntingly beautiful. The balloons are such a wonderful metaphor for memory, its loss and its passage to the next generation!
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