As Featured on YouTube’s Captain and Cat – Captain’s Corner
Your child’s or student’s tender heart will be sparked by this story!
Bajette's Balloon is a sweet story about KINDNESS - an adventure of giving. You can easily nurture your child's empathy and kindness through the stories in this book!
The Magic of Smiles™ stickers available through book purchase and the free activities on this site in the Kindness Creative Lab make teaching kindness seamlessly achievable.
Join our Kindness Mission!
How far can a single act of kindness really travel?
In this heartwarming social-emotional learning adventure, a mysterious, color-changing balloon arrives and whisks Bajette off on an unforgettable journey. Alongside her new friend Bobby, she discovers how small acts of generosity can ripple through communities far beyond what she ever imagined. Mischief, magic, and meaningful lessons unfold as Bajette’s lost cat stirs up trouble and the balloon carefully avoids sharp edges.
Inspired by real experiences of community and giving, this story gently introduces children ages 3–8 to empathy, diversity, and important life themes like aging, disability, allergies, fire safety, and environmental care.
Why readers treasure Bajette’s
Encourages empathy and generosity through a beautiful narrativeChildren are captivated by the color changing balloon, looking for the lost cat and inspired to give.This beautifully crafted book features an original story and hand-drawn illustrations—created entirely without the use of AI.This adventure comes with happy superpowers!Magic of Smiles™ is a special gift exclusively for readers of the book and is not available for purchase anywhere else.Free book companions, kindness activities and crafts in our Kindness Creative LabReaders are invited to connect directly with the author for open and meaningful engagement.Perfect for home or classroom, Bajette’s Balloon is more than a book—it’s a spark for kindness that keeps growing.
Kindness belongs in every child's hands and heart!
"This book inspired my 4 year old daughter to go to her playroom and pick out toys to donate to kids who do not have" - Erin, a Mom from NY
“Her empathy… on full display inspires young readers as she aids an elderly couple, a veteran, and playground volunteers.” - Booklife Editorial Review“From start to finish, Claudia C Colonna grabs the attention of the young reader by luring them in with a curious balloon that changes color. Children will learn the gift of kindness, allowing them to see the benefits of helping people and just being a decent person in general.” - Reader’s Choice Review
The Heart Behind Bajette’s Balloon Bajette’s Balloon was created by Claudia, who was inspired by her parents’ unwavering spirit of generosity. Even in tough times, they found excitement in giving to others, a value Claudia cherishes and carries forward through this story.
Bajette's Balloon is a picture book for children aged 3 to 8. Bajette's Balloon is a heartwarming story that interactively and seamlessly teaches kids generosity and the excitement of giving!
Bajette’s Balloon follows the gracious actions of Bajette as she offers help to others without expecting anything in return. Bajette is a wonderful role model of empathy for children. Her thoughtful acts teach children the value of friendship and the power of kindness.
Although I appreciated the selfless message of the story, I feel Bajette’s actions are overshadowed by Rocco’s harrowing experience of nearly dying in a house fire. I can’t help thinking, shouldn’t the balloon have taken Bajette to Rocco before he went into the burning building if it was meant to help?
I’m also curious about the balloon’s color shift. Were the colors chosen randomly, or did they each signify something? I try not to be overly critical, but as a storyteller, I think it’s important to explore all options, so the main point of the story gets through to young readers.
The lively illustrations by Ed Hose brighten the story and make it fun.
This book is so engaging! Each adventure with Bajette and her friend, Bobby makes the balloon burst into amazing new colors! It’s not just fun; it teaches invaluable lessons about kindness and generosity. Kids eagerly await the next colorful surprise!
BAJETTE'S BALLOON is a colorful, delightful story set in the Big Apple. Every good-natured adventurous child will experience being 'on board' with Bajette's as they fly to adventure after adventure. Bajette's picking up a kind kindred spirit, Bobby, is an excellent touch.