Pop! Went Another Balloon: A Magical Counting Storybook

by Keith Faulkner, Roger Tyger (Illustrations)

In this innovative counting book, die-cut circular windows create a magical effect as Toby the Turtle's balloons "disappear" one by one, popped by pesky birds. Even when Toby picks up the pace with in-line skates, a motorcycle, and other speedy modes of transportation, he just can't outrace the birds' pointy beaks. Extra-shiny balloons on the cover, artwork featuring appealing characters and fun vehicles, and the irresistible peek-through holes all add up to an entertaining introduction to subtraction.

Illustrated by Rory Tyger.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

24 pages, Hardcover

First published June 23, 2003

Reviews

[Miss Pippi the Librarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are lots of themes you could use with this book - birthdays, balloons, birds, or transportation. I focused on balloons popping. The story counts down from 10 to 1 (which you can use one hand to hold the book and one hand to count down with ASL numbers). There's a repeated phrase we read together with the ASL sign for bird, "Those pesky birds!" The transportation element included: walking, running, skating, skateboarding, bicycling, then using a motorcycle, car, train, airplane, and rocket.

2021 storytime theme: Things that POP!

Reviewed from a library copy.

[Chloe M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Modern Fantasy
K-2nd Grade
This book is an awesome way to engage kids with counting. As Toby tries to bring his friend, Tina, ten balloons for her birthday, pesky birds come and pop one at a time leaving Toby with only one to give to Tina. But this story teaches grace as Tina is perfectly satisfied with her one red balloon. Every page has a cut out feature which makes it seems like the balloons disappear as you turn the page. This is a super fun aspect to this book. I'd recommend this to any young child learning numbers.

[Jessie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute! Basic counting book using cutouts that decrease with each page turn. A little humor as the turtle chooses faster and faster ways to travel to get away from the "pesky birds". Also, the book has a nice happy ending so it's fun to read again.

What I really liked was that the popped balloons are still shown as empty strings tied to knots. Can be a good math book for subtraction discussion. This simple book doesn't actually talk about how many have popped, but you can. "Oh no, he started out with 10 balloons but he only has 3 left! How many have the birds popped?" and let your child tell you the answer - if they need help they can count the empty strings with the popped balloon pieces. (not my idea, my son wanted to do this once we got about midway through the book, but it made me like the book all the more)

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

My kids love this as a read aloud because they can shout the repetitive line on each page. There is also a bit of basic subtraction and discussion of different forms of transportation. I especially appreciate how graciously the gift is received at the end of the story.

[R · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very simple and cute counting book. It has cut-out holes, which little kids like. I like how the vehicle he rides on is different on each page.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun counting book to use with Preschoolers. Very interactive and repetitive. I used this for a Balloon Story time. Has cut outs to help with the counting down. Awesome!

[Tracy Schillemore · Rating 3 out of 5]

counting book

[Aguilar · Rating 5 out of 5]

POP!

[Miss Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A turtle is traveling with ten balloons but they keep getting popped as he goes. Simple. Toddler and up. Great extension.

[Valerie · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK