Inspiration to "Float"

Title: Balloons over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy's Parade

Author: Melissa Sweet

Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: November, 2011

ISBN: 9780547199450

Age Range: 4-7 years

Balloons Over Broadway is a beautiful narrative nonfiction story of puppeteer, Tony Sarg, the man who inspired the helium balloons that are now used in the Thanksgiving Day Parade. Melissa Sweet utilizes collage styled illustrations to captivate the reader, creating a beautiful cheery story of inspiration and passion. Through this exquisite story the reader will learn the power and importance of curiosity, imagination, and determination. 

                     

 

“Tony Sarg, the man who invented the giant balloons of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, has found a worthy biographer in Caldecott Honoree Sweet. The rush that comes from inspiration, the cliffhanger moments of creation, the sheer joy of building something and watching it delight the multitudes—Sweet captures it all in what is truly a story for all ages"—Publishers Weekly, starred review

“It’s a history lesson, inventor's sketchbook, and inspirational story all rolled into one marvelous mixed-media masterpiece. Sweet's beautifully rendered true-life tale will have your child's imagination soaring to new heights!”—education.com

In Sweet’s biography on Sage, she creates a world of wonder and imagination through her multi-media illustrations. She utilizes collage, water colors, scrapbooking, newspaper clippings, and other styles of art to capture the attention of the reader. She provides multiple facets of illustrations to tell the story of this inspirational man. 

Sweet includes an authors note which includes a description and purpose of the art used within the book. Another excellent tool that Sweet includes within her nonfiction book is a bibliography and sources page, documenting her research and resource to track down more information. 

                     

 

Not only does this story make a great family or class read aloud in light of Thanksgiving, it inspires creativity, ingenuity, persistence, and courage. A excellent activity to go along with this story is to create your own balloon “floats” with string, markers, and other art supplies. Have a parade of your own! Show off your creativity!

Other enjoyable books that relate to Thanksgiving:

                              

 

“Holidays Around the World: Celebrate Thanksgiving: With Turkey, Family, and Counting Blessings” by Deborah Heiligman 

• National Geographic brings to life the historical tradition and cultural aspects of Thanksgiving. It includes recipes and resources for more research.

“Thanksgiving Jokes: Funny Thanksgiving Jokes and Riddles for Kids” by Uncle Amon

• This knee slapping book includes child appropriate and approved jokes and riddles that will have the whole family laughing. It also includes mazes and puzzles for extra entertainment.