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The Legend of Papa Balloon
Papa Balloon is the story of a unique, mysterious figure who magically appears in a land where the people have become divided and are in need of greater understanding and empathy for each other. Traveling through each of the four villages in this land and accompanied by the children who discover him, Papa Balloon teaches the villages a profound lesson in a simple way. Colorfully and brightly illustrated, and a page-turner of a tale, it is the perfect book for any parent who wants their children to learn about treating the traditions and viewpoints of others with respect, while putting forth the belief that we, as a group, are more united than we realize. Early reader–ages 5-8.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published March 28, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
April 8, 2013
Hmmm I must have a thing for balloons lately. Here is second ebook I've received from netgalley this week. The Legend of Papa Balloon is about a land where people worship The Light. Each village expresses their reverence of the Light through a particular color of balloon. A group of children come upon an old man sleeping under a tree. He has a clear balloon under his hat and says people call him Papa. The children call him Papa Balloon. He becomes friends with everyone and in the end he and his clear balloon teach all of the villages that no one color is better than the other and that they are all of the Light.
OK this wasn't a bad book but it is a bit complicated. It was too complicated for my 5 year old son. But as some of you know he has a severe learning disability so that can play into this. For other children this may be easier for them to read and understand. My son enjoyed the illustrations, but he walked away after only a few pages. I loved the color changing ink. This book is obviously about tolerance. One of the biggest problems I had with the book quite honestly is that the children befriend an old man who is a stranger and bring him essentially home with them. I know it is just fiction but I don't think telling kids its ok to bring home that shoeless bearded guy, who was sleeping under a tree and calls himself Papa is a good idea. Stranger Danger.
As I said all in all it wasn't a bad book it just wasn't as good as it could be. I would say that I have it at a solid 2 stars. I think it does a good job with promoting tolerance (especially religious tolerance). With just a little work I think it could easily become a 3 or 4 star book.
OK this wasn't a bad book but it is a bit complicated. It was too complicated for my 5 year old son. But as some of you know he has a severe learning disability so that can play into this. For other children this may be easier for them to read and understand. My son enjoyed the illustrations, but he walked away after only a few pages. I loved the color changing ink. This book is obviously about tolerance. One of the biggest problems I had with the book quite honestly is that the children befriend an old man who is a stranger and bring him essentially home with them. I know it is just fiction but I don't think telling kids its ok to bring home that shoeless bearded guy, who was sleeping under a tree and calls himself Papa is a good idea. Stranger Danger.
As I said all in all it wasn't a bad book it just wasn't as good as it could be. I would say that I have it at a solid 2 stars. I think it does a good job with promoting tolerance (especially religious tolerance). With just a little work I think it could easily become a 3 or 4 star book.
February 21, 2013
In a wonderful balloon world there were several villages who had different ways of revering and respecting The Light. Each village had their own traditions and beliefs. They were all so divided from each other that they had no idea how to properly get along. A group of children discovered an old man who didn't fit the pattern of any of the villages. This strange little man helped the villagers learn to accept and appreciate their differences while still being true to themselves.
I am not sure really young children will get the full impact of the message. This book can be used to teach acceptance of others beliefs to some children but mostly it will be associated with religious acceptance as many people associate The Light as a religious term. A good message to be found is that everyone has something to contribute to the whole which is better than trying to live separate, individual lives.
I viewed a free e-galley compliments of NetGalley.
I am not sure really young children will get the full impact of the message. This book can be used to teach acceptance of others beliefs to some children but mostly it will be associated with religious acceptance as many people associate The Light as a religious term. A good message to be found is that everyone has something to contribute to the whole which is better than trying to live separate, individual lives.
I viewed a free e-galley compliments of NetGalley.
June 5, 2013
This is a very cute book with bright illustrations that explain the concept of tolerance, respect, and acceptance of viewpoints you might not agree with.
I see a lot of reviews on here that say this book was confusing for them and also their children. I don't see how this could be confusing for the average adult. It's not that complicated. Also, children as young as 4 will be able to understand that this is about accepting others even though you might not agree with them. The part about the Light might be harder to get, but just explain that as either a religious concept or as anything a person values, whether hard work, love, etc.
I see a lot of reviews on here that say this book was confusing for them and also their children. I don't see how this could be confusing for the average adult. It's not that complicated. Also, children as young as 4 will be able to understand that this is about accepting others even though you might not agree with them. The part about the Light might be harder to get, but just explain that as either a religious concept or as anything a person values, whether hard work, love, etc.
March 6, 2013
The Legend of Papa Balloon is the story of a stranger in a land divided by different beliefs and ways of living. He befriends everyone and through his questions he helps all the people understand that there is no one right way to live but that everyone has something to offer and that we all complement each other
The illustrations are simple; the story and message are complex and will take some explanation and a second reading for young readers to understand. This may be a good choice to illustrate tolerance and cooperation.
The illustrations are simple; the story and message are complex and will take some explanation and a second reading for young readers to understand. This may be a good choice to illustrate tolerance and cooperation.
May 30, 2013
I just wasn't a huge fan of this book. The text was confusing, and I'm pretty sure if I'm confused, the youngsters who read this will be confused as well. To me, it seemed like the book had a secondary agenda, and I'm pretty sure I don't agree with what the author is saying (if that makes any sense). The illustrations were great! I did like those. But this book isn't one for me.
August 2, 2015
an interesting way to show kids that although they may look different, religions are all trying to do the same thing and for the same reason (god). well, that's what I got from it anyway...
** thanks to NetGalley & the publishers for this copy!
** thanks to NetGalley & the publishers for this copy!
February 19, 2013
Check out my review! http://laurainbookland.blogspot.com/2...
July 21, 2016
I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. This book cover is on my Pinterest board and my blog, Michelle Dragalin’s Journey.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews