What do you think?
Rate this book
The Blue Balloon
Balloons are squeaky, and they float and explode. The balloon in this book is a blue one and, crucially, it is also a magic one.
42 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 1990
4 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
About the author
Mick Inkpen
383 books62 followersMick Inkpen is one of the most popular author/illustrators in the world. His books have sold over 4 million copies, and have been translated into over twenty different languages. His best-loved characters are probably Kipper and Wibbly Pig – who are both stars of their very own TV series!
He began his career as a graphic designer, and worked with another children’s author Nick Butterworth (of Percy the Park Keeper fame) on a cartoon strip for the Sunday Express. In 1989 The Blue Balloon was published to great acclaim, and established him as an important and original voice in children’s picture books. He and his wife, Debbie, also had children of their own by this point: “Without the experience of having children of my own I doubt that I would have been capable of writing effectively for children. And yet it’s true that good work really springs from trying to please yourself”
Mick lives in Essex with his wife and two children.
He began his career as a graphic designer, declining a place to study English at Cambridge University. During this period he worked with Nick Butterworth, a fellow children’s author, from whom he learned design and typography. Together they developed a cartoon strip for the Sunday Express magazine, later to become a first series of children’s picture books. They also worked in children’s television.
In 1989 The Blue Balloon established him as a truly original voice in children’s picture books, by which time Mick and his wife Debbie had two children of their own. “Without the experience of having children of my own I doubt that I would have been capable of writing effectively for children. And yet it’s true that good work really springs from trying to please yourself”
He began his career as a graphic designer, and worked with another children’s author Nick Butterworth (of Percy the Park Keeper fame) on a cartoon strip for the Sunday Express. In 1989 The Blue Balloon was published to great acclaim, and established him as an important and original voice in children’s picture books. He and his wife, Debbie, also had children of their own by this point: “Without the experience of having children of my own I doubt that I would have been capable of writing effectively for children. And yet it’s true that good work really springs from trying to please yourself”
Mick lives in Essex with his wife and two children.
He began his career as a graphic designer, declining a place to study English at Cambridge University. During this period he worked with Nick Butterworth, a fellow children’s author, from whom he learned design and typography. Together they developed a cartoon strip for the Sunday Express magazine, later to become a first series of children’s picture books. They also worked in children’s television.
In 1989 The Blue Balloon established him as a truly original voice in children’s picture books, by which time Mick and his wife Debbie had two children of their own. “Without the experience of having children of my own I doubt that I would have been capable of writing effectively for children. And yet it’s true that good work really springs from trying to please yourself”
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
June 30, 2019
The Blue Balloon introduces a new character to children's story-time...
....'Kipper' the dog!
The story is about a little boy & his dog called Kipper who finds a balloon which behaves like any other balloon, most of the time.
But...as we all know, ordinary behaviour is not part of the Inkpen strategy!
A Fantastic book that keeps kids entertained and interested in what happens with the balloon.
....'Kipper' the dog!
The story is about a little boy & his dog called Kipper who finds a balloon which behaves like any other balloon, most of the time.
But...as we all know, ordinary behaviour is not part of the Inkpen strategy!
A Fantastic book that keeps kids entertained and interested in what happens with the balloon.
September 1, 2021
Loved seeing Kipper the dog before he starting starring in his own books.
September 6, 2015
The Blue Balloon – by Mick Inkpen
Synopsis:
This short story book features a young boy and his dog called Kipper. Kipper and his owner embark on an adventure when they find a soggy blue balloon, which challenges their preconceptions of how ordinary balloons should behave. The mysterious balloon proves to be out of the ordinary by not bursting, even when it is squeezed, squashed, kicked or whacked with a stick. The magical balloon treats Kipper and the boy to a day trip to a distant planet, before dropping them home in time for dinner.
To my mind, this fun loving fiction book captures the creative possibilities our imagination grants us. Arguably, where this book differs to others is that it offers little surprises with its fold out page format and simple but elegant illustrations make it a pleasure to read. I would suggest that this book is suitable for ages 3 to 6 years.
Curriculum Subject: Science
Theme: Everyday materials
This book could possibly be useful for a year one science class. For example, where pupils compare and group together various everyday materials, blue balloons could be passed around a plenary session to stimulate discussion of the balloons physical properties. Suitable questions could include:
Is the balloon hard or soft?
Is the balloon stretchy or stiff?
Is the balloon shiny or dull?
Perhaps the main activity could include experimenting with the balloons and other everyday material to explore and compare different material properties, such as the best material for a dog lead for Kipper (the dog featured in the book)?
A number of simple experiments could be set up at different stations within the classroom. The pupils could be divided up and each group assigned a different everyday material. The groups could rotate until each group had completed and tested their assigned material. Experiment results can be recorded using tables or prepared tick box worksheets. Then the results could be shared as a whole class, determining which materials would be suitable for a dog lead for Kipper and which would not.
Synopsis:
This short story book features a young boy and his dog called Kipper. Kipper and his owner embark on an adventure when they find a soggy blue balloon, which challenges their preconceptions of how ordinary balloons should behave. The mysterious balloon proves to be out of the ordinary by not bursting, even when it is squeezed, squashed, kicked or whacked with a stick. The magical balloon treats Kipper and the boy to a day trip to a distant planet, before dropping them home in time for dinner.
To my mind, this fun loving fiction book captures the creative possibilities our imagination grants us. Arguably, where this book differs to others is that it offers little surprises with its fold out page format and simple but elegant illustrations make it a pleasure to read. I would suggest that this book is suitable for ages 3 to 6 years.
Curriculum Subject: Science
Theme: Everyday materials
This book could possibly be useful for a year one science class. For example, where pupils compare and group together various everyday materials, blue balloons could be passed around a plenary session to stimulate discussion of the balloons physical properties. Suitable questions could include:
Is the balloon hard or soft?
Is the balloon stretchy or stiff?
Is the balloon shiny or dull?
Perhaps the main activity could include experimenting with the balloons and other everyday material to explore and compare different material properties, such as the best material for a dog lead for Kipper (the dog featured in the book)?
A number of simple experiments could be set up at different stations within the classroom. The pupils could be divided up and each group assigned a different everyday material. The groups could rotate until each group had completed and tested their assigned material. Experiment results can be recorded using tables or prepared tick box worksheets. Then the results could be shared as a whole class, determining which materials would be suitable for a dog lead for Kipper and which would not.
September 7, 2012
Book Review 2
Mick Inkpen
The Blue Balloon
The story is about a boy and his dog called Kipper who finds a soggy blue balloon in the garden. The boy then goes on to blow the blue balloon up and finds that the balloon is not as ordinary as first thought. The boy describes the characteristics of an ordinary balloon, for example shiny, squeaky, all of which the blue balloon does. However, the boy then explains how the blue balloon when blown up gets bigger and bigger. At this point in the story the pages are used to major effect. Pages unfold to demonstrate the balloon getting bigger, the balloon being able to be stretched or even taking the boy up to space. The boy then warns the reader that if ever you find a soggy old blue balloon; don’t whatever you do throw it away as you just don’t know what it will do next... if you have not read the book then I won’t spoil the surprise!
I have found that children of all ages enjoy reading this book. Perhaps it is the way the author has taken an everyday object and by combining descriptive words and using the pages enable the reader to imagine a balloon really can transform.
Mick Inkpen
The Blue Balloon
The story is about a boy and his dog called Kipper who finds a soggy blue balloon in the garden. The boy then goes on to blow the blue balloon up and finds that the balloon is not as ordinary as first thought. The boy describes the characteristics of an ordinary balloon, for example shiny, squeaky, all of which the blue balloon does. However, the boy then explains how the blue balloon when blown up gets bigger and bigger. At this point in the story the pages are used to major effect. Pages unfold to demonstrate the balloon getting bigger, the balloon being able to be stretched or even taking the boy up to space. The boy then warns the reader that if ever you find a soggy old blue balloon; don’t whatever you do throw it away as you just don’t know what it will do next... if you have not read the book then I won’t spoil the surprise!
I have found that children of all ages enjoy reading this book. Perhaps it is the way the author has taken an everyday object and by combining descriptive words and using the pages enable the reader to imagine a balloon really can transform.
August 22, 2012
Mick Inkpen’s story The Blue Balloon is about a young boy and his dog who finds a blue balloon the day after his birthday party. It explains that the balloon is no ordinary balloon, as it gets bigger and bigger when blown up; it never bursts and even took the characters for a fly. It is concluded by suggesting that the reader should never throw a soggy old balloon away because you never know what it is capable of.
I like this book because it is an easy read for young children and it encourages them you use their imagination with everyday objects they are familiar with. The book also has large pictures and some lift-the-flap elements for the reader to enjoy and develop their imagination further. This book would be suitable for a child aged from 2 years upwards in a classroom environment as they will be able to understand the story from the illustrations, however it would be suitable for an older child to read and develop their skills independently.
I like this book because it is an easy read for young children and it encourages them you use their imagination with everyday objects they are familiar with. The book also has large pictures and some lift-the-flap elements for the reader to enjoy and develop their imagination further. This book would be suitable for a child aged from 2 years upwards in a classroom environment as they will be able to understand the story from the illustrations, however it would be suitable for an older child to read and develop their skills independently.
Read
October 20, 2011Kipper was a young boy who had a party, after the party he found a soggy blue balloon in the garden so he blew it up. It was shiny and squeaky if you gave it a rub it would stick to the ceiling. But there was something odd about this balloon, as it didn’t matter how many times you blew it up it just kept getting bigger.
It never bursts Kipper squeezed it and squashed it and whacked it with a stick. He thought the balloon had strange and wonderful powers. One day it disappeared completely when it returned it was a square. One morning Kipper took it for a walk it decided to take him for a fly. He went up up up into the sky he has so much fun when he was up there. It was quite a trip but he was back in time for tea.
This a an endearing story of a young boy who finds a balloon and goes on an adventure , young children will love this book and it also helps recognise shapes.
September 3, 2011
Title: The Big Balloon
Author: Mick Inkpen
Genre: Children Picture book
Type: Fiction
Amazing read for an early years child. Mick Inkpen tells a story about a young boy and a dog who discovers an old looking blue balloon in the back of the garden. I remember reading this years back and what struck me was the idea of this magical balloon flying me through the air together with the pop-up illustrations found on every other page. This book can really engage the younger audience, especially if they're starting to learn colours as it reinforces the mystical blue colour of the balloon. Supplementary activities after reading the book could include 'I spy with my little eye, something that is coloured blue' - always keeps them busy!
Author: Mick Inkpen
Genre: Children Picture book
Type: Fiction
Amazing read for an early years child. Mick Inkpen tells a story about a young boy and a dog who discovers an old looking blue balloon in the back of the garden. I remember reading this years back and what struck me was the idea of this magical balloon flying me through the air together with the pop-up illustrations found on every other page. This book can really engage the younger audience, especially if they're starting to learn colours as it reinforces the mystical blue colour of the balloon. Supplementary activities after reading the book could include 'I spy with my little eye, something that is coloured blue' - always keeps them busy!
April 30, 2012
This book the Ink Balloon is a must for a child, especially for Early Years Children. Mick Inkpen tells a story of a young boy and a dog who came across a balloon in the back garden. The illustrations seem enchanted to Early Years children, as this magical balloon is flying through the sky. This book can really interact with the early years children, especially if they have started to learn about the different colours and shapes.
August 16, 2018
A Boy finds a Blue balloon and explain the fascinating things it can do. He thinks it's a magic balloon because he blows it up, it makes noises and when he keeps blowing into it, the balloon keeps expanding and doesn't burst. The balloon seems to be indestructible and when it disappears it comes back again. What time the balloon decided to take the boys for a ride; flying up in the air. He reminds the reader that if by chance saggy ,blue balloon is found. To make it is kept because it may be magical.
The book shows how big the balloon gets by adding pull out pages
The book shows how big the balloon gets by adding pull out pages
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2019
Inkpen reminds us of the extraordinary that surrounds us in the world, the amazing things a little boy's blue balloon can do exemplifies how we are only limited by our own imagination.
A beautiful story reminding children to always look a little harder than what you see on the surface. Even a balloon can me magical.
A beautiful story reminding children to always look a little harder than what you see on the surface. Even a balloon can me magical.
November 2, 2023
Sangat simple, dengan ilustrasi yang bagus. Lembaran bukunya yang bisa dilebarin gitu, riskan banget untuk dipinjamkan ke siswa, karena baliknya pasti sobek2 :D Kadang suka gak rela minjemin buku yang bagus ke anak-anak, tapi kan saya pustakawan yaa? Emang boleh nyimpen-nyimpen buku bagus dari pemakai? :D
March 5, 2018
Meh. Cute illustrations, as always from Mick Inkpen. The story is pretty boring, though, and I can't help thinking it's not a great message for kids: pick up and put your mouth on random deflated balloons you find outside?! The fold-out pages are neat, but that's all this book is: gimmicky.
January 7, 2024
My favorite children’s book. Loved reading it to my son and will continue to read and reread. I love the creativity of the plot, inspiring imagination on younger readers and the illustrations just make me happy!!
November 3, 2024
Emotional and heartfelt, with a touch of melancholy. The relationships between the characters are beautifully crafted, and the author explores themes of love, loss, and healing in a way that feels deeply authentic. It’s a book that stays with you long after you finish.
December 15, 2017
My toddler loves this book, ther pull-out pages are fun.
December 26, 2018
Old soggy balloon doesn't have to be just that. Sometimes it can turn out to be a magic one.
September 16, 2019
How could anyone not LOVE this book? A childhood favourite and such a feel good book!!
Read
September 19, 2019Fantastic book!
Has extended sized pages & flaps.
A little boy goes on an adventure with a soggy old balloon.
Has extended sized pages & flaps.
A little boy goes on an adventure with a soggy old balloon.
March 28, 2020
A good story. I really liked the extended pages of it.
April 18, 2020
Classic
October 27, 2022
Written in 1989, I guess this one is a 'classic' in that it is an early adopter of the foldout page. So a good read aloud, but a book that will be quickly destroyed if left in young hands!
September 25, 2023
Written in first person which is NOT my fav.
November 6, 2023
Charming story by Inkpen. A Kipper book.
They find a blue balloon after his birthday party and discover what a special one it is. Their adventures take them flying and exploring.
They find a blue balloon after his birthday party and discover what a special one it is. Their adventures take them flying and exploring.
April 11, 2025
A children's classic that has been read, and read for our children - and now with our grandchildren.
March 16, 2017
One of the first books my daughter read herself. A favourite
January 12, 2017
Great story time book
January 26, 2017
My mum used to read this to me when I was little and here we are years later still reading this to other children...that is because it is a classic. The story is about a boy and his dog Kipper, who find a blue balloon after a party. The balloon is special as it has been stretched, kicked, squeezed, whacked and many other things but still does not pop. The pages unfold and the pictures illustrate exactly what the boy is doing. The story would be fantastic to introduce materials in science. The national curriculum states children need to explore materials, therefore children could investigate what materials can/cannot stretch, squeeze, change shape etc.
This book is also useful across English. Story maps could be used to get children familiar with the story and to order exactly what happened to the ballon. The vocabulary is great as well. Words such as squeaky, indestructible, soggy and squashed can be introduced and explored in children's reading and writing.
This book not only teaches children to look after their possessions, but it encourages imagination and the idea that anything is possible! So do not forget, the next time you find a blue balloon, whatever you do don't throw it away...you never know what it will do next!
This book is also useful across English. Story maps could be used to get children familiar with the story and to order exactly what happened to the ballon. The vocabulary is great as well. Words such as squeaky, indestructible, soggy and squashed can be introduced and explored in children's reading and writing.
This book not only teaches children to look after their possessions, but it encourages imagination and the idea that anything is possible! So do not forget, the next time you find a blue balloon, whatever you do don't throw it away...you never know what it will do next!
April 24, 2012
Helen: www.bigbooklittlebook.blogspot.com
This is the current favourite bed time story in our house for both my 2 yr old and my 4 yr old. It makes sharing a bedtime story so much easier when you stumble across books they both adore!
Lots of children love balloons and this definitely appeals to that fascination. The story is simple, a boy finds a balloon and it turns out to be an extraordinary, indestructible and very thrilling. This balloon can change shape, size, colour and even better, it doesn't pop. It will even fly you to the moon.
This is all made more exciting by the different bits to pull or open out in the pictures. The enormous balloon has a page that opens out 4 times the size of the others. When the balloon is stretched a part of the page 'stretches' too, and so it goes on.
Verdict: The girls love the story and the pictures. It is a great book.
And for anyone interested in useless bits of information; this is also the story in which Kipper (the dog) makes his first appearance before going on to have his own series of books
This is the current favourite bed time story in our house for both my 2 yr old and my 4 yr old. It makes sharing a bedtime story so much easier when you stumble across books they both adore!
Lots of children love balloons and this definitely appeals to that fascination. The story is simple, a boy finds a balloon and it turns out to be an extraordinary, indestructible and very thrilling. This balloon can change shape, size, colour and even better, it doesn't pop. It will even fly you to the moon.
This is all made more exciting by the different bits to pull or open out in the pictures. The enormous balloon has a page that opens out 4 times the size of the others. When the balloon is stretched a part of the page 'stretches' too, and so it goes on.
Verdict: The girls love the story and the pictures. It is a great book.
And for anyone interested in useless bits of information; this is also the story in which Kipper (the dog) makes his first appearance before going on to have his own series of books
June 24, 2012
Mick Inkpen amazingly puts this book together. This book creates a sense of impossibilities to the reader. For instance, the reader believes that a balloon can be stretch, bitten and squeezed, without the balloon bursting. The story in this book is quite humorous, especially when you are reading this book to a class of nursery children. This is because children are astounded by the different shapes and things that the small boy could do to the balloon. As a consequence the children start to imagine and explore the different things that they could do to a balloon. Mick Inkpen creates adventure through simple stories. He uses powerful illustration to show the character reaction, but also to add the humour throughout the book.
May 5, 2014
This is a great and enjoyable storybook for children to share. The big illustrations against the white pages make the pictures more appealing to the younger audience. Some pages open up to reveal bigger pictures as the blue balloon expands and stretches and holds magical powers when the little boy blows it up. This story also includes Kipper, a well-known book character who children will recognise from Mick Inkpen’s other books.
Children love balloons and this book really feeds their imagination as they begin to discover that the balloon is indestructible. Beginner readers will also be able to read the simple text but it truly is a great book for all ages.
Children love balloons and this book really feeds their imagination as they begin to discover that the balloon is indestructible. Beginner readers will also be able to read the simple text but it truly is a great book for all ages.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews