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internationalkris's review against another edition
5.0
The expressions are adorable in this book and the varied illustrations are fantastic. At first I was a little uncomfortable with the balloon in nature but the story takes us past all of that.
dawnoftheread's review against another edition
3.0
This is one of those picture books that is carrying deep significance about loss and forgiveness, and all I can think about is "why does this bear sit on a pot?"
bluenicorn's review against another edition
4.0
Oh, my- I was not expecting this! Gorgeous illustrations (frame-able!), and a story that took me on a very short and very mild rollercoaster of emotions. A great story about dealing with loss, too.
heisereads's review against another edition
3.0
Loneliness, loss, shame, forgiveness, holding on to memories of good times.
Gorgeously illustrated.
Gorgeously illustrated.
abigailbat's review against another edition
This is a poignant and starkly beautiful picture book about a bear who finds and befriends a red balloon. I love the saturated colors in the artwork and the expressiveness of the bear.
panda_incognito's review against another edition
4.0
This picture book has gorgeous, unique illustrations with saturated colors and soft edges. The art seems dreamlike, and the simple text conveys the story in an evocative way. I really enjoyed this, and appreciate the gentle messages about unexpected gifts, loss, self-blame, and the importance of seeing goodness in yourself and cherishing your memories.
However, even though this book is a beautiful metaphor, parents and teachers should consider clarifying for children that balloons are not fun toys for animals, both to help protect pets and to make it clear that balloon releases are a pollution issue. I certainly wouldn't want to ruin the story's effect by taking this on at the end, and I can see why the author didn't, but that is still something to keep in mind.
However, even though this book is a beautiful metaphor, parents and teachers should consider clarifying for children that balloons are not fun toys for animals, both to help protect pets and to make it clear that balloon releases are a pollution issue. I certainly wouldn't want to ruin the story's effect by taking this on at the end, and I can see why the author didn't, but that is still something to keep in mind.
krismarley's review against another edition
3.0
I’m a sucker for a cute bear story as much as the next school librarian, but this was too weird for me.
tundratomes's review against another edition
5.0
God, this book is so unbelievably precious. It uses colour and a beautiful candense to narrate the playfulness of new friendship, goes over loss and grief, and finishes with hope and the feeling of self-acceptance. A beautiful book to read to your little ones, and an essential to have on your shelf.
antlersantlers's review against another edition
4.0
I was weirdly won over by this cute little book! I usually try not to get caught up in how cute a picture book is, because there are loads of great books and being simply cute isn't really enough for me. But the illustrations are so so so lovely and and the text is so mellow. Even though the story was a little goofy, it didn't feel ham-fisted like so many similar picture books do. This surprised me, I guess.