The Twenty-One Balloons Books Review

Genre: Children's Fiction

Author: William Pène du Bois

Plot
     Professor Sherman has had enough of teaching. So retired, he thinks - how may I travel the world? All the scheduling and hustle and bustle of regular travel doesn't sound that appealing - but balloon travel, ah balloon travel. No control over your destination or speed, and that sounds exactly like what Professor Sherman needs. So he sets off in his (big!) balloon.

     At the beginning and conclusion of our story we find Professor Sherman at sea surrounded by the curious wreckage of twenty large balloons. What has happened? Where have the twenty balloons come from? The Twenty-One Balloons takes the reader on a fantastical journey to an island where an isolated community and quirky thrives. Wonderful gadgets and means of play occupy these islanders, but all isn't as it seems...

Brian's Opinion
     I love this book. It excited the same aspect of me that gets big-eyed when I read glossy Popular Science magazines - du Bois did an excellent job inventing fascinating technologies and explaining some of the science behind his creations. The characters are simply fantastic too, and this was one of my favorite of the Newbery Medal award books.

Who would like it
     Kids! Especially kids who like reading slightly more challenging and longer novels (say late elementary school), and who deeply appreciate technology and creativity. Also the adult who likes lighthearted and creative plots.

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