Billy Balloon

Billy Balloon: Jack Payton

Colors are special and each individual brings joy to someone or something. Imagine being entered into a special race for children. Imagine if you can win the race it would be exciting. Billy Balloon is bright red and has a beautiful smile that makes you just want to hug him but not too hard. The children in the school are excited about the upcoming Balloon Race and can’t wait to choose the one they will enter. Waiting for the balloon workers to bring the balloons each child created their special name tag with their name and address so that the person that finds his/ her balloon can hopefully become their pen pal. That’s exciting and the amazing colorful illustrations bring Billy and all of the balloons to life. The rumble and roar of the truck with the balloons add to the excitement. The first sunny day of Spring marks when this race takes place and the children tie their handmade name cards to their balloons. Imagine the balloon floating up into the air in the sky and a child that could live anywhere might find it. As the children finish their name cards they are so excited and now check out the faces on page 13 and see the balloons coming in on page 14. Colors are called out, specific balloons are requested and their choices are heard and made. Excitement explodes as the balloons get bigger. Get ready, here we go. Help count down as the clock starts to join in. The excitement is real and the children scream as the balloons take off and where the wind up is a mystery. Who’s going to win? Will someone finds my balloon they all say. Billy Balloon gets bigger and goes faster and then: he’s winning but it’s getting darker. What happens next will keep you in suspense and make you wonder if he’s going to be okay. Author Jack Payton gives readers a touch of mystery, suspense, and drama. Check out Billy’s face and his expression on page 28. Where does he land? Is that safe? What happens? Did anyone find him if so who? A surprise ending that might make you cheer and wonder: is the race over? Is it back on? You decide!With two special pages were added to teach children how to create their name cards and how you can partner with the author and help write Billy’s next adventure.The final page allows you to hear the author’s voice as he tells readers why he wrote this book and about a real writing exercise that he remembers.Sometimes real life can bring your stories from the past and embrace the idea in the present. Meet Billy Balloon and take the journey with him. A book for all ages and children that want to be included in something positive and special.

Fran Lewis just reviews