The Twenty-One Balloons

Book Description

Professor William Waterman Sherman intends to fly across the Pacific Ocean. But through a twist of fate, he lands on Krakatoa, and discovers a world of unimaginable wealth, eccentric inhabitants, and incredible balloon inventions. Winner of the 1948 Newbery Medal, this classic fantasy-adventure is now available in a handsome new edition. "William Pne du Bois combines his rich imagination, scientific tastes, and brilliant artistry to tell a story that has no age limit." -- The Horn Book

Customer Reviews:

Unforgettable.......2007-07-21

I read this book over 30 years ago, as a teenager- read it over and over, enchanted with the inventiveness and wonder of the book. It's a classic. Over the years I lost track of my first copy. After finding it on Amazon and reading it again as an adult, I find it's as good as I remembered, more than just a "children's book".

A Wonderful book! Read It!.......2007-03-09

The Twenty-one balloons is a very good book. I recomend it to all people, young and old. You really need to read the book. It is a book of adventure and curiosity with Professer Williams. I am going to read it again because it was such a good book. I liked the way that Williams responded to all the news in the book, when he was stranded on the island because his hot-air balloon popped becouse a sea-gull rammed into the balloon and made a hole. Read the book to find out what happens in the end of the book. It is a good ending and I liked how it ended.

Twenty -one balloons book review.......2007-01-23

The book I read was The Twenty-one Balloons by William Pene du Bois. This book was about professor William Waterman Sherman and his adventures. He takes a balloon trip and crashes on the island Krakatoa. It's mostly about what he does on Krakatoa and the things he learns about the Krakatoa natives. The main plot is when Krakatoa erupts and they have to evacuate the island.

I liked the book very much. The book was so exciting to read. The different ideas in the book were amazing. It was so creative. The information and how creative it was is the key of why the book is so great. I was also able to feel that I was "in" the book. I could feel this, because I was wishing that I was there and I could also feel and see what it would be like to be in their situations. The main conflict interested me, because I wanted to see how Professor Sherman got off the island. I also was curious about how he lived on the island, which was very exciting, because the island was so amazing and unique.

The author's writing style would probably be very educated and informative. The vocabulary was very interesting or hard to understand, because many of the words were scientific and difficult. Even though I am sure everything he said was factual, it was also kind of boring and too informative at those parts. The author's ability with description was above and beyond. You would be reading about one of their balloon inventions in the book and he would describe how it works, what it looks like, and every other thing he could describe. All that description would take about 3-7 pages. Then when he was describing their restaurant calendar, he also went into that with great detail. So I think his writing style was descriptive, but maybe too descriptive, well at least for children.

I would give this book 4 out of 5. I give the book this rating, because it was very descriptive and interesting. The plot wasn't the most exciting though. Also as I've said, it was a little too descriptive. This made it somewhat boring.

This book seems great for anybody. It's really creative and most people will think most of the creativity is really cool and interesting. I believe that you will respect and enjoy how creative this book is, no matter what your interest or what your age is.

the 21 balloons.......2006-11-28

I thought this book was very interesting because it mixed non-fiction with fiction. I would recommend this book to anyone. I learned that there was a real island called Krakatoa, and it did explode in the late 1880's. Even though it was a good book, some parts were page-turners. Sometimes it talked about things that made my mind wander. There were some surprises in the story. When his balloon came crashing and he had to head for the island. I didn't know what was going to happen. At the end of the book the press asked, "What are you going to do now." Professor Sherman said, "I'm going to build another balloon.

Worst. Book. Ever........2006-11-18

This book is awful. I read it, and I couldn't wait to finish it. I would have flipped it in the trash can except I had to read it for school. The characters are pathetic, there is no grasp of dialogue, and the author admits that it is the same thing as an F. Scott Fitzgerald book that was already written. How it became a Newberry winner I will never know.

Average customer rating:

A fantastic book, especially if you work with balloons!
Enchanting Tale
great story. great illustrations.
Sick Hated this book
"How Can I Get Some Seeds From This Guy ?"

Harvey Potter's Balloon Farm
Jerdine Nolen
Manufacturer: HarperTrophy
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0688158455

Book Description

Harvey Potter was a very strange fellow indeed. He was a farmer but not like any farmer you've ever met. He didn't grow corn, okra, or tomatoes. Harvey Potter grew balloons. No one knew exactly how he did it, but with the help of the light of a full moon, one friendly child catches a peek of just how Harvey Potter does it. And keeps some magic for herself.

"This is the best sort of fantasy imaginative, inventive, and believable. Harvey Potter is a wonder he's the owner of a genuine U.S. Government Inspected Balloon farm. And Nolen's tale about this man, narrated by the African-American girl who learns balloon-farming magic from him, is equally wondrous.... This title should sail onto every library shelf. May Nolen grow a bumper crop of books." School Library Journal.

"Downright glorious."Publishers Weekly(starred review).

Customer Reviews:

A fantastic book, especially if you work with balloons!.......2006-11-13

I was given a copy of this book as a gift from a fellow Balloon Artist! We work with party balloons every day, and what a delight it was to recieve Harvey Potter's Balloon Farm! I have since given copies to other Balloonies around the world and on every occasion they have been as delighted as me. The book is beautifully illustrated...the story magical! I look forward to the day I have a grandchild to read it to so that they will understand the magic of balloons!
Sue Marston-Weston, UK.

Enchanting Tale.......2006-11-11

Harry Potter's Balloon Farm is an enchanting tale with marvelous pictures. A young girl is fascinated about Mr. Potter's balloons. She secretly spies on him one magical night to see how they are created. The drawings are vibrant and visually entertaining. My kids enjoyed finding the cat, cow, rabbit, chicken, T.Rex, and pig hidden on every page.

great story. great illustrations........2006-11-11

This book will captivate your children while warming the hearts of those reading to them. The pictures are a pleasure for the senses and the story is one of mystery and fun. This book is always a favorite.

Sick Hated this book.......2006-06-08

What kind of sicko writes a book like this? Horrible. Has dancing, chanting, mystic, magic, night time hauntings. All under the cover of a little balloon farm. You would have to be ignorant not to see it. You want your children reading something sick like this with undertones of everything that is bad. Go ahead. I hated this and threw it out. Dumb and the lady is right, bad grammer too.

"How Can I Get Some Seeds From This Guy ?".......2006-01-15

Seed Catalogs have begun to fill up the mailbox and it sure would be exciting to have a harvest like Harvey Potter's! He has worked magic with a "conjure stick" and Mark Buehner's overflowing paint pot all of which add to the success of author Jerdine Nolen's book.

Adults may laugh more than the kids at the idea of a genuine "U.S. Inspected Balloon Farm" . . . and it is a sure sign that a Tall Tale has hit home when the 'elders' feel NOSTALGIC about a story, as if it had really happened. This story ranks taller than Paul Bunyan for me.

Reviewer mcHAIKU isn't the only reader to feel chagrin at not having been up that tree in Harvey's yard to learn the marvelous secret of his green & red & orange & yellow & blue & violet AND black latex gardening thumb. It isn't too easy to discover even one jelly-bean-black balloon but no one will mind searching over & over again through this earthy, laughter-filled book. We should all make notations to read "Harvey potter's Balloon Garden" on Earth Day each year!

Average customer rating:

Love this book!
Disagree with most
Colorful pictures, but a short story
Fun book for preschoolers
I Remember and Smile

Balloonia
Audrey Wood
Manufacturer: Child's Play International Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1904550495

Book Description

Where do balloons go at bedtime? Matthew has the answer but, as usual, his bossy sister Jessica needs to see the proof.

Customer Reviews:

Love this book!.......2007-10-02

This book was one of my childrens' favorites, so I ordered one for each of them now that they are adults. I think they were very excited and plan to share it with their children.

Disagree with most.......2007-07-18

I disagree with most of the other reviewers...I used this book in my storytimes at my library and the children ALL liked it. It has been my experience that kids like stories about children who aren't perfect. Not all books are sweetness and light. The little girl is a pill, but so are lots of kids and they relate to her. Matthew is sweet...and the good kids can relate to him and since he sort of "wins out" in the end, there seems to be fulfillment here for some type of value lesson. The age of the listener should be over four. I liked the illustrations as they were detailed enough to allowed a child to sit and ponder, especially after hearing it read.

Colorful pictures, but a short story.......2007-04-11

I read this book as a child, and bought it hoping to relive early memories of enjoyment. In this case, I was a little disappointed. While the illustrations are very engaging, the story itself is somewhat choppy, and the main character has a very unpleasant attitude that many parents might not wish to encourage. On the other hand, the concept is nice, explaining where balloons go when they are released. I still enjoyed this book as a link to my childhood, but am not sure I would read it to my children.

Fun book for preschoolers.......2007-01-09

My daughter was devastated when the bunch of balloons we bought for her 3rd birthday party blew away in the store parking lot. She talked about it for weeks afterward, even though we went back in and bought a new bunch. A friend suggested this book, about where balloons go when you let them go. The book takes children on a fun adventure to "Balloonia", a magical place for balloons. The illustrations are quite fun! We have really enjoyed this book!

I Remember and Smile.......2006-08-04

I read some other peoples reviews of this book and I was a little saddened. I had this book as a child. I read it over and over. I had it all throughout my teenage years until my mom sold most of my books at half price books when I went to college. I have looked for this book again since then. I read nonstop as a child. Every family holiday picture I am sitting with a book. I brought them to the table for dinner. This is one of the few books I actually remember. Now that I have kids of my own, I am so excited that I can now share it with them.

Average customer rating:

Balloon Magic
Marvin Hardy
Manufacturer: Qualatex
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0961660058

Product Description

Instruction book-learn the basics in this easy-to-follow book. GREAT pictures to assist you!

Average customer rating:

All about counting and colors

Balloons, Balloons, Balloons
Dee Lillegard , and Katya Krenina
Manufacturer: Dutton Juvenile
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0525459405
Release Date: 2007-02-01

Book Description

A yum yummy yellow one

A plum plummy purple one

A green like a turtle one

Balloons Balloons Balloons

One magical day the whole world is brightened when balloons, balloons, balloons—marvelous and mysterious—float into town. Beautiful, colorful balloons are everywhere, evoking all of the wonder and fun of childhood's simplest joys. In poetry as cheerful as a sun sunny day, youngsters choose their favorite colors, follow balloons into familiar places, and describe their playful movements. This warm, whimsically illustrated text couches a simple vocabulary of colors, places, and movements in irresistible verse.

Customer Reviews:

All about counting and colors.......2007-07-18

One morning, a mysterious rabbit floats over town in a hot-air balloon, releasing thousands of balloons on the unsuspecting population below. The adults are confused and frustrated at the mess the balloons make, but the children are delighted, quickly choosing their favorite colors. At the end of the day, the balloonist sails on, leaving behind a colorful gift to mark his passage.

Dee Lillegard's rhyming, yet simple prose, is sure to delight children. The rhyming stanzas lend themselves to being memorized.

"Selena gets a pink one

A squiddy-black-ink one

A white as a sink one

Balloons Balloons Balloons"

The repetitive nature and minimal vocabulary of Lillegard's tale makes it perfect for beginning readers.

All the necessary ingredients are present in Bernadette Pons' captivating illustrations for Balloons, Balloons, Balloons. Bright colors and lots of small details fill these spreads, providing endless fodder for the game of "can you find the..." Children will giggle with delight at the disruption the balloons cause adults; glasses get knocked off their faces, cereal is spilled, and a game of tennis is interrupted.

Armchair Interviews says: Help the child in your life determine their favorite color and then help them learn to count as you hunt for all the balloons of that color in Balloons, Balloons, Balloons.

Average customer rating:

Wonderful book series
true magic
The best balloon twisting book I've found yet!

Balloon Magic
Marvin L. Hardy
Manufacturer: Pioneer Balloon Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0961660015

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful book series.......2004-07-09

"Balloon Magic" is a book series by author, Marvin L. Hardy. Be aware that the books within the series are for different size balloons. Ask the sellers which book they have before you buy it! More information about the books can be found at http://www.balloonmagic.com/ My review covers the basic 260Q book with spiral binding.

Great photographs and precise instructions will have you creating a variety of kid favorites: basic dogs, daschunds, giraffes, swans, swords, teddy bears, etc. My only wish is that this book covered hats, too.

The spiral binding was a wonderful aid that other books don't have. Search for a book that has spiral binding or you'll find yourself trying to keep the book open to the correct page while using both of your hands to create the wonderful balloon shapes!

true magic.......2001-11-01

I do not work with balloons very often, but found this book to be very useful for a beginner. It has good photos of what you are trying to do, and step by step instructions. I did find some of the instructions hard to follow at first, but after working with the balloons, I finally got it. My boys love it when I pull the book out to review. I find that this is a good book for someone who does not know where to start.

The best balloon twisting book I've found yet!.......1999-09-08

Within an hour I was making cool swords (I call them light sabers) swans and dogs for my kids. I am now more accomplished and the most popular father on the block at parties. I highly reccommended this book for both beginners and those more skilled. I was so happy with this book I am presently waiting for an order of 321Q balloons to try my skills in Marvins other book. Similar balloon twisting books do not compare in the way the directions are presented in such a colorful easy to follow manner.

The Twenty-One Balloons PMC (Puffin Modern Classics)

Average customer rating:

The Secret Classic

The Twenty-One Balloons PMC (Puffin Modern Classics)
William Pene du Bois
Manufacturer: Puffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 014240330X

Book Description

Professor William Waterman Sherman just wants to be alone. So he decides to take a year off and spend it crossing the Pacific Ocean in a hot-air balloon the likes of which no one has ever seen. But when he is found after just three weeks floating in the Atlantic among the wreckage of twenty hot-air balloons, naturally, the world is eager to know what happened. How did he end up with so many balloons . . . and in the wrong ocean?
Winner of the Newbery Medal

Customer Reviews:

The Secret Classic.......2006-12-20

Wow--this is a book that I will never forget, but let me expand on that seemingly gratuitous comment. "I will never forget" this lovely tale in a variety of senses that most texts fail to entertain or touch upon that later come into my daily life. As a girl forced to read such dull societal "classics" as Little Women and the Laura Ingalls Wilder series, this book was the first that addressed my love of science, a blend of imagination and what the future can hold, and a modest suspension of disbelief while still fascinating and entertaining with every page! And the illustrations are quiet and beautiful, telling and spare, and lend a reality to the words as icing on the cake. I now bequeath this book often as a gift, since not many have heard of it, and every recipient has enjoyed it--truly! I highly recommend this book as an escape from prescribed reading at any age

Average customer rating:

I'm Flying! (Dragonfly)
Alan Wade
Manufacturer: Dragonfly Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0679860193
Release Date: 1994-03-01

Book Description

Illus. in full color. Bored with his suburban life, a boy takes all the things he dislikes--his toothbrush, his mean old cat, even his math teacher--and sends them sailing away with helium balloons. But the fun really begins when he rigs up a lawn chair with enough balloons to launch himself, too.

Average customer rating:

The Well-Mannered Balloon
Nancy Willard , and Haig Shekerjian
Manufacturer: Voyager Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0152949860

Average customer rating:

Balloon Magic: 260Q Figures
Marvin L Hardy
Manufacturer: Pioneer Balloon Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Spiral-bound

Decorative Arts | Design & Decorative Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0961660023

Book Description

For the first time, the development of interiors and furniture in Switzerland from the end of the nineteenth century to the present day have been surveyed and documented. Following the two introductory essays, seven chapters focus each on a time span of 15 years, with detailed information on the definitive masterpieces of that period. Some 20 representative interiors reveal the significant changes in living space during the 20th century. A fully illustrated catalogue of over 300 objects from furniture to ceramics and household objects and around 150 biographies conclude the publication. Edited by Professor Arthur RÃ¼egg, this fascinating compendium of the great classics in Swiss design contains much previously inaccessible information, rare early works and invaluable details on the origins and production of the objects. A large part of the furniture has been photographed especially for this publication and model furnished interiors have been drawn to the same scale.

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