Benjamin's Balloon

by Janet Quin-Harkin, Robert Censoni (Illustrator)

Benjamin's balloon carries him up and away to adventure.

48 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1978

About the author

Janet Quin-Harkin is a pseudonym of Rhys Bowen

Rhys turned to writing children’s books under her married name, Janet Quin-Harkin. Her first picture book was an immediate success and won several awards. More picture books followed, then her agent asked her to write a book for young adults. This was a turning point in Rhys’s career. Her first young adult novel was an instant hit. By her third she was selling half a million copies. Many more popular YA novels followed until Rhys decided she had said all she wanted to say about teenage love and angst, and she turned her real love—mysteries.

Reviews

[Robin Hopkins]

My sons loved loved loved this book!! I read this to themeach staring from 2 through 5 or 6..... for about a solid 3 years it’s all they wanted me to read! I’ll admit I would hide it in my linen closet or pack up and send with them when they went to my parents to visit on a Saturday night.... my parents said.. hey keep this here will ya!! Oh my gosh it was crazy! I just found our copy that I read them and am taking to my oldest house tomorrow!!!!! He can read to his sons! They’re gonna love it!

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book I would always say was my favorite growing up. But I didn't really mean it. It was just because it had me name in the title. The copy at my house was lost to the sands of time, and a copy from the internet costs hundreds of dollars. I'm giving it 5 stars mostly for my memory's sake.

[Andrew Shapter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple yet engaging story for children. I recall it being a favourite of mine when read to me by my parents. And now, years later (I won't reveal quite how many,) it has become a favourite of my little girl, who wants me to read it to her almost every night!

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Benjamin blows up a balloon that carries him away on a short flight. He wants to go back home after landing in snow, but finally decides to build something out of the snow while he is there. Fun illustrations.

[Jessica]

I read this so many times as a child. I loved this book!