A magical book that has become an enduring children's classic, The Red Balloon is the story of a young boy and his best frien...
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Oct 04, 2011
Ginta
rated it: 
“The Red Balloon” is actually a French film short that was released in the 1950’s. I saw the film a few years ago but did not remember much from it. Reading the book brought back memories of the film.
I loved this book. I love the relationship between Pascal and his friend the red balloon. The balloon is an inanimate character that has animate qualities. The balloon accompanies Pascal everywhere and often lands him in a lot of trouble. The story is told with humor and sensitivit More...
I loved this book. I love the relationship between Pascal and his friend the red balloon. The balloon is an inanimate character that has animate qualities. The balloon accompanies Pascal everywhere and often lands him in a lot of trouble. The story is told with humor and sensitivit More...
Nov 30, 2009
GoldenjoyBazyll
rated it:
I got this book 29 years ago from my forner mother in law when I began my student teachinbg assignment with Kindergarteners. it had belonged to my former husband and she said it had been one of his favorites. Well, one day I brought a blown up red balloon (helium) to school inside of a box (I called it my magic box) and sat the children down at circle time. I told them that something very special was inside of the box and had them guess. When I opened the box and the balloon popped our every
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Dec 28, 2007
Lisa
rated it: 
I'm not sure why I bought and read this book. Mastery over trauma? Because when I was in elementary school, whenever it rained and we couldn't go outside into the play yard for the bulk of our lunch period, they'd herd us all into the auditorium, and show us the film The Red Balloon. To me, it was a sad story about loss whose ending did not console me at all. Ah well.
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Dec 13, 2010
April-lyn
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This is the first book I ever read in the school library that wasn't on the shorter shelves specifically for kids. I remember asking the librarian to take it off the shelf for me in first grade because I couldn't reach it. I don't really remember anything about this book except that I loved it. I should find a copy and revisit it now, 23 years later
Mar 23, 2009
Vanessa
rated it:
this book is a little boaring.
its sad and funny at the same time. it depends on how you look at it.'
there are a lot pictures in here and not words.
its a book about a boy and his red balloon and how it keeps coming back to him.
its sad and funny at the same time. it depends on how you look at it.'
there are a lot pictures in here and not words.
its a book about a boy and his red balloon and how it keeps coming back to him.
Oct 01, 2009
All you've ever wanted to know about a mischievous yet loyal Parisian balloon, and it's most unfortunate demise.
Great for the child who loves a good tragedy.
Great for the child who loves a good tragedy.
Feb 23, 2010
Lily
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This French version of the book was given to me by uncle and aunt, who very kindly provided a written translation as well. It's lovely.
Mar 22, 2009
Rishmi
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We watched the movie in french class. It was pretty good. And they didn't talk much so we pretty much understood what happened.
May 05, 2011
Lauren
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This is a good read-aloud but needs to be paced well. It worked to read it over two class visits.
Oct 10, 2010
Marcelo
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Great for Americans like me who read, write and speak baby French. The movie is a gem.
Jul 19, 2011
Erin
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Every elementary school child should read this book. What an uplifting story.
Oct 19, 2008
Linda
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I can think of only two movies that are BETTER than the books--and this is one of them! The movie is 5 stars. It's a family favorite. (I think that the book was made from stills from the movie.)
(The other "movie is better than the book" is "2001, A Space Odyssey--another rare "the-movie-came-first".)
(The other "movie is better than the book" is "2001, A Space Odyssey--another rare "the-movie-came-first".)
Jun 15, 2008
Sarah
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I think I saw this movie about 2,312 times in elementary school. Those frequent viewings soured me somewhat, lessening my appreciation of the book. The story is very simple and brief, told more through pictures than words. C'est vrai!
Sep 01, 2010
Meredith
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This is a weird book. I think I would have liked it a lot as a kid. Or been freaked out by it. Either way.
Jun 20, 2007
Pascale
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This is the best children's book of all time. See the movie too! Not just because I was named after the main character!
Sep 22, 2008
Courtney
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My grandma used to read this to me... I just recently found it for the girls. So many memories!
