The Wishing Balloons
on Goodreads (106)
What’s inside...
For fans of Be Kind, Come With Me, and Waiting, Jonathan D. Voss’s stunning new picture book, The Wishing Balloons, is a timeless story of the struggle, wonder, and power of making a new friend. A young girl named Dot is overjoyed when the moving truck arrives at the house down the street, and even more excited when a boy her age steps out, offering the prospect of a new friend. But Albert looks sad, and he won’t reveal why. After many attempts to cheer him up, Dot walks away defeated. That night, a balloon with a note tied to its string taps her window. Unfolding the note, Dot finds a wish that Albert has written. This is her chance to make Albert happy—she will (creatively) grant his wishes. Though as each wish becomes harder to grant, Dot learns the powerful lesson that sometimes being a friend means waiting until the people you care about are ready to reach out.
Discussion points
What would you wish for if you had a magic balloon and why?
How do you think the main character felt when their wishes came true?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone and how it made you feel?
Why is it important to dream and wish for things?
How can we help others realize their wishes in real life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring the story to life, altering your tone with different characters and scenes.
Encourage your child to imagine their own ending or continuation of the story, fostering creativity and critical thinking.
Discuss the moral of the story and its application to real-life situations to enhance empathy and understanding.
Relate personal stories or experiences about wishes and dreams to make the discussion more relatable.
Pause at key moments in the book to ask predictive questions, boosting engagement and anticipation.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The power of kindness
Explanation: In 'The Wishing Balloons', characters help each other achieve their wishes through acts of kindness, demonstrating the positive impact of selflessness.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by helping their friends or family, learning that small acts of kindness can make a big difference in other people's lives.
Example Lesson: Value of perseverance
Explanation: As the characters face challenges in pursuit of their dreams, they learn to persist despite difficulties, showcasing the importance of resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to keep trying in their pursuits, whether in schoolwork, sports, or hobbies, even when they face obstacles.
Example Lesson: Importance of sharing
Explanation: The story highlights characters sharing their resources and ideas to help each other's wishes come true, emphasizing communal support and generosity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to share their belongings or time with peers, which fosters a sense of community and collaboration.
Example Lesson: Creativity and imagination
Explanation: The Wishing Balloons' world is full of imaginative scenarios that encourage creative thinking.
Real-World Application: This lesson inspires children to use their imagination in play and problem-solving, enhancing their creative abilities in real-world situations.
Example Lesson: Understanding emotions
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters express a range of emotions, which are respectfully acknowledged and managed by others, teaching emotional intelligence.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize and manage their own emotions, and understand those of others, leading to better interpersonal relationships and self-awareness.