About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is feeling restless or needs a reminder that the world is full of wondrous, slightly messy possibilities. It is the perfect antidote to a day where things felt a little too controlled or serious. While the story is rooted in the historical 1783 flight of the first hot-air balloon, it is told through the perspective of its unlikely passengers: a duck, a sheep, and a rooster. This Caldecott Honor book uses vibrant, swirling illustrations to explore themes of curiosity and the thrill of the unknown. It is ideal for children ages 4 to 8 who are beginning to ask how things work or who enjoy physical comedy. Parents will appreciate how it turns a significant scientific milestone into a joyful, chaotic adventure that celebrates the spirit of exploration without being overly academic.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
None. The peril is purely comedic and historical. The approach is secular and focuses on the physical experience of flight.
