I Have a Balloon
Written by: Ariel Bernstein
Illustrated by: Scott Magoon
Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books (September, 2017)
Suitable for ages: PreK -3
Themes/Topics: sharing, not sharing
Opening:
“I have a balloon.”
“You have a balloon.”
“I have a balloon.”
“That is a – big – balloon.”
Brief Synopsis (from publisher’s website):
Owl has a balloon. Monkey does not. What will happen next? Hint: this is not a book about sharing.
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?
Links To Resources:
Play with a balloon! Here is a link to 11 fun balloon games.
Make sock puppets! Here is a link to crafting a super sock friend.
Eat ice cream cones! You’ll understand why after the last page.
Why I Like This Book:
Kids and their stuff. Littles can become ardently passionate about the oddest possessions, particularly when said items are desired by a member of the competition. Bernstein nails this dynamic perfectly in her dialogue-driven story. Magoon enhances the hilarity with quirked eyebrows, defeated slouches, and exasperated frowns exchanged between the main characters, Owl and Monkey. Packed with funny, charming and oh-so-insightful truths for parents and young readers alike, I HAVE A BALLOON is a lighthearted look at the process of negotiation when sharing becomes paramount.
My favorite line:
“All I can do with my balloon is hold it. All day. Just standing here, holding it.”
My deepest thanks to illustrator Scott Magoon who sent me this book after I entered his giveaway for subscribers to The Magoon Tribune. Kudos on the endpapers Scott – a really nice touch!
For a complete list of books with resources, please visit Perfect Picture Books hosted by the incomparable Susanna Leonard Hill.
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