The Blue Balloon

What do our readers think of The Blue Balloon? (Generated from the text of reviews of the book)

Children enjoy the magical balloon, Kipper’s adventures and the exciting fold-out pages, which make the story fun to explore again and again. Some children find the story a little simple, while the delicate pages need careful handling.

What does the Pageticker team say about The Blue Balloon?

The Blue Balloon is a wonderfully bonkers first outing for Kipper, who turns an ordinary soggy balloon into a ticket for impossible adventures. Mick Inkpen combines gentle humour, expressive illustrations and clever fold-out pages to make imagination feel wonderfully stretchy. Best enjoyed as a shared read with younger children, though grown-ups may want to supervise those tempting paper extensions!

Genres

What is The Blue Balloon about?

Kipper the dog discovers a soggy blue balloon in the garden. Initially, it appears ordinary, but soon reveals extraordinary properties, leading Kipper on a series of magical adventures. This imaginative tale, featuring fold-out pages, introduces readers to the beloved character Kipper and showcases the limitless possibilities of imagination.

About the author

Mick Inkpen is a much-loved British author and illustrator who creates delightful books for children. He is best known for his stories about Kipper the dog and Wibbly Pig, which have made children smile all over the world. Mick’s gentle stories and charming pictures make reading fun and inspire a love of books.

Discussion ideas around The Blue Balloon

A balloon with a mind of its own: What makes the blue balloon seem magical, and what do you think it might do next?

Kipper and friendship: How do Kipper and the boy react to the balloon together, and what does this show about their friendship?

Small things, big adventures: Can an ordinary object become exciting when we use our imagination? Think of something at home that could have a secret adventure.

Shape and size: The balloon changes in surprising ways. Which shape or size would you choose for it, and where would you take it?

Looking after special books: Why do you think the fold-out pages make the story more exciting, and how could you help to keep them safe?