My Red Balloon

PreS-Gr 4 -Today's the day a little boy's Navy Dad comes home after being at sea. As an excited crowd waits for the ship, he holds a -Welcome Home - red balloon tied tightly around his wrist so that his father can find him on the dock. He loosens the string and sadly watches the balloon float away. Of course, his daddy still finds him and all is well. Gently told, this story shows the joy felt when loved ones come home after serving our country. Realistic details such as the sailors standing on the deck in their dress whites and members of the crowd snapping pictures add authenticity. Similar in tone and theme to Mindy Pelton's "When Dad's at Sea" (Whitman, 2004) and Sarah Wones Tomp's "Red, White, and Blue Good-bye" (Walker, 2005), this book's soft, watercolor illustrations reflect the diversity of the Navy's personnel. This is another sensitive, caring title for service families and those who work with them." -Pamela K. Bomboy, Chesterfield County Public Schools, VA" Copyright 2005 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"True to the small child's viewpoint, there is no talk of war or patriotism, right or wrong, only that Daddy was 'making sure our country stays safe.'" —Booklist

"The straightforward language is pitched perfectly and Life's naturalistic, warm-hued watercolors are reassuring. . . . Full of sentiment." —Kirkus Reviews

"Another sensitive, caring title for service families and those who work with them." —School Library Journal