Balloons for Papa: A Story of Hope and Empathy

by Elizabeth Gilbert Bedia, Erika Meza (Illustrator)

Overview

A perfect book to help discuss mental health, depression, empathy, loss, and hope with young children.

Arthur's gloomy father rushes him through the park every morning, through gray and rainy weather. Arthur just wants a bright balloon from the park's vendor, but Papa always says no. One morning, the balloons magically appear at their doorstep, and Arthur figures out the perfect way to bring the sunshine out—and Papa's smile back—even if only for a few moments.

Brimming with affecting and poignant words, beautiful black-and-white illustrations, and bursts of color on every page, Balloons for Papa sends the message that even in the worst situations, there is light and love.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780063081130
Publisher:	HarperCollins Publishers
Publication date:	04/27/2021
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	1,147,526
Product dimensions:	10.10(w) x 10.10(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Erika Meza migrated from Mexico in 2013, leaving behind her family, friends and her favorite food. She lived in a dungeon with a ghosts-and-ghouls-painting princess, learned how to tell stories, then found and lost a spotted dog in Paris, where she attended school. She finally crossed the France-UK border and settled down in London, where she lives in a small flat and works as an author and illustrator, aided by her cat who tries to leave inky paw prints on her work. She tries to go back home often, at the border of Tijuana and San Diego, where her book was born.

Editorial Reviews

06/07/2021

Originally published in Great Britain, this thoughtful narrative follows Arthur, a bespectacled child with yellow rain boots whose mother is in the hospital and whose father’s smile is subsequently lost. Each day, Arthur requests a colorful balloon from the elderly balloon vendor, since balloons make Arthur smile; each day, Papa tells him no, until a serendipitous bundle of balloons tied to their house’s tree brings the duo to a cathartic conversation. Bedia adeptly highlights Arthur’s love and understanding for his parents (“ ‘Balloons always make me smile. I hope they bring your smile back,’ said Arthur”). Meza’s fine-lined illustrations cast scenes in grayscale except for Arthur’s boots, the vibrant balloons, and a few closing spreads, augmenting the emotional heft of Bedia’s conclusion. A moving picture book reminder of the significance of small actions and a celebration of children’s capacity for empathy. Back matter includes an author’s note. Ages 4–8. (Apr.)

Publishers Weekly

A skillful reminder that kids can be the bright spots amid their caregivers’ serious worries.  — Kirkus Reviews

This important story of connection through sadness is beneficial to children and adults alike. — School Library Journal (starred review)

A moving picture book reminder of the significance of small actions and a celebration of children’s capacity for empathy. — Publishers Weekly

From the Publisher

★ 04/01/2021

PreS-Gr 1—Young children have a greater capacity for emotional understanding than they sometimes get credit for. Ever since Arthur's mama went to the hospital, dreary, gray feelings have settled over him and his papa. Every day on their way to visit Arthur's mama, he and his papa pass a balloon seller in the park. Her brightly colored wares call to Arthur, but despite his persistence, his papa refuses Arthur's request to purchase one. A happy accident lands several balloons on Arthur's doorstep one morning, returning color to his muted world. Families who have ever experienced profound sadness together will immediately recognize the drab, melancholy pages of this book. Low hanging clouds mirror the characters' emotions, appearing in stark contrast to the balloons. Short, simple text is placed in and around each illustration, becoming as much a part of the visual story as the images themselves. The intentional use of colors in carefully calibrated circumstances greatly enhances the emotional component of this story. A wide representation of ages and skin tones inhabit the scenes, while Arthur and his papa both have light complexions. An author's note at the end gives readers some context for the purpose behind the story. VERDICT This important story of connection through sadness is beneficial to children and adults alike.—Mary Lanni, formerly at Denver P.L.

School Library Journal

2021-03-02
A spot of color pokes through adult gloom in this charming British import.

“Ever since Mama went to the hospital, Papa had lost his smile.” Every day Arthur and Papa visit her, and every day Arthur asks for a balloon. Papa, however, just hurries his young son along, the weight of the world on his shoulders. One, two, three days in a row Arthur tries to convince his father to get a yellow, red, or blue balloon. Each time Papa says no, and the clouds above grow lower and gloomier. Then, one day, Arthur looks out the front door to see five bright balloons bobbing from their tree. Arthur immediately gives them to Papa for Mama in the hospital, a selfless act that reminds his father of the support young children really can provide in tough times. The text reads true, a balm for children and parents going through family difficulties, but the standout star is the art. From the balloon seller’s braids on the top of her head to the stitches on her sweater, meticulous watercolors capture the details that matter; the bright balloons pop (no pun intended) on the page against the wash of gloomy grays. Arthur and his parents present White. (This book was reviewed digitally with 10-by-20-inch double-page spreads viewed at 15.4% of actual size.)

A skillful reminder that kids can be the bright spots amid their caregivers’ serious worries. (author's note) (Picture book. 4-6)

Kirkus Reviews