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Sebastian and the Balloon
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A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Sebastian and the Balloon is a gentle, quiet bedtime story from Philip C. Stead, the Caldecott Medal-winning author of A Sick Day for Amos McGee. It's an adventure about going wherever the wind may take you, but Stead's earth-tone illustrations and simple, gentle narration keep it low-key. We first see Sebastian sitting on the roof of his house, even though he knows he's not supposed to. Otherwise, he's a good role model for taking matters into your own hands, being open to new people and experiences, and working hard so you can do something fun.
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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
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Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.