Balloons for Papa: A Story of Hope and Empathy – A Poignant Picture Book About a Father's Depression for Children

by Elizabeth Gilbert Bedia, Erika Meza (Illustrator)

Arthur's gloomy father rushes him through the park every morning, through gray and rainy weather. Arthur just wants a bright balloon from the park's vendor, but Papa always says no. One morning, the balloons magically appear at their doorstep, and Arthur figures out the perfect way to bring the sunshine out—and Papa's smile back—even if only for a few moments.

Genres: Picture Books, Mental Health, Childrens, Family, Emotion, Grief, Love

32 pages, Hardcover

Published April 27, 2021

About the author

Elizabeth (Liz) Gilbert Bedia grew up in the rural Midwest surrounded by fields, blue sky, and a multitude of jovial animals, where she became a keen observer with a big imagination. Liz loved creating stories about the world around her and turned to books to learn more. She went on to become an elementary school teacher, teaching children with special needs. She later worked with children and adults as an audiologist. While raising her own children, she returned to her creative roots and started writing books for children. With heart and humor, she loves creating stories for children about our amazing world. Her debut picture book, BESS THE BARN STANDS STRONG (Page Street Kids), will publish September 2020. Her second picture book, ARTHUR WANTS A BALLOON (Upside Down Books/Trigger Publishing UK) is out October 2020. Liz lives in central Iowa with her husband, two teenagers, and two enormous dogs.

Reviews

[Erin Dealey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five balloons for this sweet, quiet book that will surely help young readers talk about their feelings, and hopefully help them smile through stormy days.

[A.J. Irving · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arthur’s papa is gloomy just like the weather because Arthur’s mama is sick. Arthur hopes to get a bright balloon each day he and Papa pass through the park, but Papa always says no. After a dream and a surprise, Arthur realizes what he truly wanted all along, which helps Papa finally find his smile. This picture book is packed with emotion. Elizabeth Gilbert Bedia’s words wrap the reader in a hug. Erika Meza’s brilliant use of color enhances the heart of story even more. BALLOONS FOR PAPA is a touching book about depression that leaves readers with a feeling of hope and love.

[Norene Paulson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This poignant story of a boy whose world is clouded by his mother's illness and his father's depression will tug at the reader's heartstrings. All Arthur wants is a balloon to brighten his day and maybe lightened his father's mood. But day after day on their hurried walks to the hospital, Dad says no. Meza'a black and white illustrations capture Arthur's gloomy world perfectly. Her minimal use of color emphasizes the hopelessness those dealing with depression/sadness often experience. The only color Meza injects into the illustrations comes from Arthur's yellow rain boots and a vendor's bundle of balloons. This stark artistic contrast, along with Bedia's well-written, sensitive text, drives a powerful arc that leaves the reader emotionally drained but also emotionally satisfied as the final spreads explode in a colorful celebration of hope. A must-read reminder that one must weather the storm to discover the rainbow.

[Jolene Gutiérrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

More than anything, Arthur wants his papa to pause on their daily walk to visit Mama at the hospital. Pause, and buy a balloon for Arthur. Maybe yellow, or red, or blue? But Papa doesn't want to stop, and besides, the sky is filled with clouds that reflect Papa's mood. A balloon might be lost in the wind. And then the rain comes and it seems the sky is crying, just like Arthur. This important book deftly tackles the tough topics of Papa's depression, Arthur's sadness, and Mama's illness. Beautifully illustrated and powerfully written, this book is a must-have for every counselor's office and school and home libraries.

[Amy Nielander · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a soft, yet powerful story about a boy and his father
in need of solace. Arthur is looking for comfort during a
troubling time expressed by the gentle (and stunning)
black and white illustrations. The story continues
as Arthur seeks out a balloon (the only drops of color)
to lift their heavy hearts. After fruitless attempts, a balloon finds Arthur and he
wins what he truly wanted, a hug from his father.
This poignant story (paired with affectionate illustrations)
will add color to a child/family’s battle with
grief or sadness and fill hearts with hope.

[Bonnie Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arthur's world is gray and so is his father's mood. When he sees a beautiful bold bouquet of multicolored balloons he wants one, but his distraught father tells him no. The rain comes inside and out and Arthur never gets his request until one miraculous morning. When Arthur finally gets his balloons he realizes what he wanted all along...to bring joy back into the family, even for just a moment. This heart touching story is so well done and beautifully illustrated. The words are so innocent and child-like but they carry deep emotion. And the emotions are brought to life through the use and absence of color in each spread. This will be a timely tool for families and children dealing with sadness and grief.

[A.J. Irving · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arthur’s papa is gloomy just like the weather because Arthur’s mama is sick. Arthur hopes to get a bright balloon each day he and Papa pass through the park, but Papa always says no. After a dream and a surprise, Arthur finally helps Papa find his smile for a moment. This picture book is packed with emotion. Elizabeth Gilbert Bedia’s words wrap the reader in a hug, and Erika Meza’s brilliant use of color enhances the heart of story even more. ARTHUR WANTS A BALLOON is a touching book about depression that leaves us with a feeling of hope and love.

[Charlotte Offsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every morning Arthur and his father walk past the balloon sellers on their way to visit his mother in the hospital and Arthur asks for a balloon. Arthur's father has lost his smile and it isn't until Arthur and his father discover some balloons tangled in a tree that Arthur realizes why he wanted the balloon in the first place - to help his father find his smile again. This beautifully written and powerful new picture book is sure to grab you by the heart. It opens the door to discussions around sadness and depression and shows the power of empathy and love. ⁠

[Skylaar Amann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is stunning cover to cover. The black and white watercolors punctuated with thoughtful, meaningful colors emphasizes the simple yet beautiful text in perfect harmony. I followed Arthur's story with interest, feeling his sadness, and wondering what would happen. The twist or unveiling of the story's heart at the end is so bittersweet, emotional, and important for the moment the world is currently living through. I highly recommend reading this book-and rereading it.

[Kaitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give ten stars I would! This book is stunning, beautiful, and powerful. I think every library from home to school to public should have a copy of this book. It helps kids understand that sometimes things get hard and we don't feel happy, but when we lean on each other, we can find even a little happiness through rough times. Also the art is absolutely stunning. I can't say enough good things about this book!

[Carolyn Leiloglou · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is beautiful all the way around. It can be hard for kids to deal with parents who are sad, sick, or depressed, and this book deals honestly with those feelings in a child friendly way. And the gorgeous illustrations make this book all the more lovely. You're going to want to hug your kid tight after reading this together.

[Kaitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Balloons for Papa is one of my favorite picture books of all time. This story is stunning from the text to the art. It's a story that everyone can relate to, and that's so important for children to see and hear. To know that adults aren't perfect; they have issues, too, and sometimes, it's the little happinesses that kids can see that help bring hope back into our lives.

[Cindy Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written and illustrated book and a must-read (to) for any child with a family member going through tough times.

[Norene Paulson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This poignant story of a boy whose world is clouded by his mother's illness and his father's depression will tug at the reader's heartstrings. All Arthur wants is a balloon to brighten his day and maybe lightened his father's mood. But day after day on their hurried walks to the hospital, Dad says no. Meza'a black and white illustrations capture Arthur's gloomy world perfectly. Her minimal use of color emphasizes the hopelessness those dealing with depression/sadness often experience. The only color Meza injects into the illustrations comes from Arthur's yellow rain boots and a vendor's bundle of balloons. This stark artistic contrast, along with Bedia's well-written, sensitive text, drives a powerful arc that leaves the reader emotionally drained but also emotionally satisfied as the final spreads explode in a colorful celebration of hope. A must-read reminder that one must weather the storm to discover the rainbow.

[Randi Sonenshine · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this lovely and important book, Liz Bedia gently demonstrates the power of empathy, love, and hope. Each day as Arthur and his papa travel together through the park on their way to visit Mama in the hospital, Arthur asks for a balloon. His gloomy and distracted father won’t allow it, providing one excuse after another, day after day. Then one day, the unexpected happens, and Arthur’s papa finally understands what Arthur really wants. The beautiful sepia-toned illustrations emphasize the dreary weather and echo the Papa’s ever-present sadness, but in each spread, a brightly colored object punctuates the mood with light and hope, foreshadowing the book’s heartwarming ending. A touching and personal author’s note provides further illumination on the book’s themes. This endearing story would be a great entry point for discussions with children about empathy and kindness, and depression, and a reminder for all that there is always hope in the darkest of times.

[Donna Cangelosi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect picture book! BALOONS FOR PAPA is a tender story about Arthur whose world is saddened by his mother’s illness and his dad’s depression. The book has the best of everything: lovely writing, gorgeous illustrations, a seamless story arc, and a heartwarming message. The text and illustrations show readers the feelings and internal experience of children coping with parental depression and provide a springboard for discussing this sensitive issue with both children and adults. Best of all, the ending shows that hope is often just outside the door. I’ve read other picture books written for children coping with parental depression, but this is by far my favorite. BALLOONS FOR PAPA belongs in the offices of every school counselor and child therapist.
Donna Cangelosi, Psy.D. Child Psychologist

[Bonnie Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful book is so timely and important! Arthur's world is gray and so is his father's mood. When he sees a beautiful bold bouquet of multicolored balloons he wants one, but his distraught father tells him no. The rain comes inside and out and Arthur never gets his request until one miraculous morning. When Arthur finally gets his balloons he realizes what he wanted all along...to bring joy back into the family, even for just a moment. This heart touching story is so well done and beautifully illustrated. The words are so innocent and child-like but they carry deep emotion. And the emotions are brought to life through the use and absence of color in each spread. This will be a timely tool for families and children dealing with sadness and grief.

[Dorothia Rohner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book makes my heart melt. The author uses mirroring, repetition and metaphors to tell a story of yearning, empathy and hope. The lyrical language, mirrors Arthur and Papas feelings by using weather as a metaphor. When all is sad, the illustrations depict clouds, rain and gloomy days using sepia tone media with washy ink blooms.
Yet to keep it hopeful, even when a dark cloud hovers overhead, the bright balloons that Arthur yearns for are always in sight. There are many sweet details that enhance the text to make this story unforgettable. For example, the flowers in the hospital window on the last spread.
The text weaves seamlessly with the illustrations. As the story unfolds, despair and grayness disappear and turn to brilliant colors when sadness is replaced with hope.
This is a beautiful book that helps children experience the emotions of empathy for others.The authors note in this publication adds a personal touch of power.

[Jolene Gutiérrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

More than anything, Arthur wants his papa to pause on their daily walk to visit Mama at the hospital. Pause, and buy a balloon for Arthur. Maybe yellow, or red, or blue? But Papa doesn't want to stop, and besides, the sky is filled with clouds that reflect Papa's mood. A balloon might be lost in the wind. And then the rain comes and it seems the sky is crying, just like Arthur. This important book deftly tackles the tough topics of Papa's depression, Arthur's sadness, and Mama's illness. Beautifully illustrated and powerfully written, this book is a must-have for every counselor's office and school and home libraries.

[Stef Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

With a mixture of delicate black and white drawings with the intricate use of splashes of color, Balloons for Papa will be a splash of color for anyone's heart. This book brings complicated emotions for both adults and children to light in a way that you can't help but be pulled in. While the emotions may be complex, the writing is simplified in the best way possible.

For any child who is experiencing a parent with sadness, depression, or grief and for any parent who knows the power of a child to pull you from that sadness, this book is for you.

This book will stay with me for a long time.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arthur really wants bright colorful balloons. Each day he asks his papa to buy them as they head to the hospital to visit Arthur's mom. Each day, his papa says no. Then one day the balloons are stuck in the tree right outside Arthur's home. Arthur is SO happy. But then he decides there is something he wants even more than the balloons...to see his dad smile. I love the illustrator's use of black/white/gray and color to portray the emotions of the characters.

[Katelyn Aronson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been a while since I read a story in which the text and illustrations are of equally high caliber. That is the case with this book—and my hat is off to both author and illustrator. The story is beautiful on every level and just happens to be the encouraging message we could all use right now. Give it as a gift; enjoy it as a modern classic—this book is for everyone.

[Candace Spizzirri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Balloons for Papa is full of emotion, love, and hope. Bedia’s beautifully written text and Meza’s gorgeous black and white illustrations with splashes of bright color tell a simple yet powerful story about sadness and depression. The ending leaves the reader feeling hopeful for the future. A must read for families struggling with mental health issues, depression and sadness.

[Carolyn Leiloglou · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is beautiful all the way around. It can be hard for kids to deal with parents who are sad, sick, or depressed, and this book deals honestly with those feelings in a child friendly way. And the gorgeous illustrations make this book all the more lovely. You're going to want to hug your kid tight after reading this together.

[Skylaar Amann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is stunning through and through. The black and white watercolors punctuated with thoughtful, meaningful colors emphasizes the simple yet beautiful text in perfect harmony. I followed Arthur's story with interest, feeling his sadness, and wondering what would happen. The twist or unveiling of the story's heart at the end is so bittersweet, emotional, and important for the moment the world is currently living through. I highly recommend reading this book!

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arthur's mom was sick in the hospital, and his dad was sad. Every day seemed gloomy and gray, and every day Arthur asked to get a balloon from the balloon seller, but every day his dad had a reason to not get him one. When Arthur opened the door one morning, he was surprised to find something that he knew would bring back his dad's smile. Very nice story and illustrations.

[Kristen Schroeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so touched by this beautiful book. The black and white illustrations and the inclement weather provide a backdrop for the sadness felt by Arthur and his father due to his mother's illness. The balloons that Arthur wants so badly bring a burst of color, and hope, to the pages. Just lovely!

[Julie Abery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Balloons for Papa by Elizabeth Gilbert Bedia is a moving story about Arthur and his Dad, both coming to terms with Mama being in hospital. Every day in the park, Arthur sees a balloon seller, the bright colors call to him and lift his mood, but nothing lifts his Dad's mood or seems to make him smile. The words are simple and heartfelt, the art, by Erika Meza, reflects the story perfectly. This book is one to open discussions about feelings and emotions and how even in the darkest of moments, there is hope.

[Amy Nielander · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a soft, yet powerful story about a boy and his father in need of solace. Arthur is looking for comfort during a troubling time expressed by the gentle (and stunning) black and white illustrations. The story continues as Arthur seeks out a balloon (the only drops of color) to lift their heavy hearts. After fruitless attempts, a balloon finds Arthur and he wins what he truly wanted, a hug from his father. This poignant story (paired with affectionate illustrations) will add color to a child/family’s battle with grief or sadness and fill hearts with hope.

[Patricia Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Balloons for Papa highlights the emotional awareness of children that unknowing adults can sometimes take for granted. In Elizabeth Bedia's poignant story, Arthur wants to find Papa's smile in the wake of a family crisis. Bedia's lyrical style pairs well with Erika Meza's atmospheric illustrations and deft use of color. This is definitely a picture book to bring families together!