Sebastian and the Balloon
By Andrea Beach,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Gentle adventure about going wherever the wind takes you.
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What's the Story?
Sebastian surveys his neighborhood and sees nothing going on. So he decides to build a balloon, packs everything he needs, and sets off into the wind. Unexpected landings introduce him to a real bear, a very large bird, and three sisters who tell him about the best roller coaster he'll ever see. When the party gets to the roller coaster, they find it falling apart and overrun by pigeons. If they want to ride the roller coaster, they'd better get to work.
Is It Any Good?
This is a low-key, charming adventure; the simple, gentle narration and muted earth tones set the right mood for bedtime. The mixed-media illustrations have a rough style that harks back to the '70s and conveys motion and brightness mainly through contrast. And, as with Philip C. Stead's other work, there's a sweet melancholy in his illustrations that softens the mood, nicely accompanied by the understated, conversational text. The supporting characters -- a real bear, a very large bird, and three sisters -- add charm and quiet humor.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about not knowing where you're going. Would you set out on a journey if you didn't know where you'd end up? Why does Sebastian do it?
Do you like the pictures in Sebastian and the Balloon? Which one's your favorite, and why do you like it? How do the pictures help tell the story?
If you had a cardboard box and some old blankets, what would you make them into: a balloon, the way Sebastian does, or something else?
Book Details
- Author: Philip C. Stead
- Illustrator: Philip C. Stead
- Genre: Picture Book
- Topics: Adventures, Wild Animals
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
- Publication date: October 7, 2014
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 3 - 7
- Number of pages: 40
- Available on: Nook, Hardback
- Last updated: July 12, 2017
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