Up, Up, and Away!

	Harvey Potter's Balloon Farm by Jerdine Nolen Age Level: Kindergarten and up
Synopsis: A child ventures out in the middle of the night to see how Harvey Potter grows his wonderful balloons.

Song

Bounce Balloons
(To the Tune of: Mulbery Bush)

This is the way we bounce the balloons,
Bounce the balloons, bounce the balloons,
This is the way we bounce the balloons,
Gently in the air.

	Where Do Balloons Go? An Uplifting Mystery by Jamie Lee Curtis Age Level: Preschool and up
Synopsis: A child wonders about what happens to a balloon that is let go, as a parent would wonder about what might happen to a child once he leaves home.

Flannel Board

Five Balloons
by Heidi Anne Heiner

Five bright balloons went out to play,
Over the hill and far away.
The little child called "Come back, back, back!"
Four bright balloons came floating back.

Four bright balloons went out to play,
Over the hill and far away.
The little child called "Come back, back, back!"
Three bright balloons came floating back.

Three bright balloons went out to play,
Over the hill and far away.
The little child called "Come back, back, back!"
Two bright balloons came floating back.

Two bright balloons went out to play,
Over the hill and far away.
The little child called "Come back, back, back!"
One bright balloon came floating back.

One bright balloon went out to play,
Over the hill and far away.
The little child called "Come back, back, back!"
But no bright balloons came floating back.

	The Red Balloon by Albert Lamorisse Age Level: Preschool and up
Synopsis: A magical book that has become an enduring children's classic, The Red Balloon is the story of a young boy and his best friend--a bright red balloon. Chock-full of photographs of the boy, the balloon and the captivating city of Paris.

Song

Yellow Balloons
(To the Tune of: Frere Jacques)

Yellow balloons, Yellow balloons,
Floating up, Floating up,
Never let them touch the ground,
Never let them touch the ground,
Keep them up, keep them up.

Pop! Went Another Balloon: A Magical Counting Storybook by Keith Faulkner Age Level: Preschool and up

Synopsis: In this innovative counting book, die-cut circular windows create a magical effect as Toby the Turtle's balloons "disappear" one by one, popped by pesky birds. Even when Toby picks up the pace with in-line skates, a motorcycle, and other speedy modes of transportation, he just can't outrace the birds' pointy beaks. Extra-shiny balloons on the cover, artwork featuring appealing characters and fun vehicles, and the irresistible peek-through holes all add up to an entertaining introduction to subtraction.

Song

I use a group favorite from any theme.

	Curious George and the Hot Air Balloon by H. A. Rey and Margret Rey Age Level: Kindergarten and up
Synopsis: While on vacation, George and the man with the yellow hat stop to see Mt. Rushmore. There's no time to take a helicopter ride for a close-up view - the hot air balloon races are about to start! Whisked up and away at the races, a surprised George gets a close-up view of the presidents after all.

Films

Waiting for Wings by Lois Ehlert Age Level: Pre-K-2

Synopsis: Every spring, butterflies emerge and dazzle the world with their vibrant beauty. But where do butterflies come from? How are they born? What do they eat--and how? With a simple, rhyming text and glorious color-drenched collage, Lois Ehlert provides clear answers to these and other questions as she follows the life cycle of four common butterflies, from their beginnings as tiny hidden eggs and hungry caterpillars to their transformation into full-grown butterflies. Note: Don't have a balloon film readily available, so substituting a butterfly one for now.

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More Books to Read On Your Own

Hot-Air Henry
by Mary Calhoun
Age Level: Kindergarten and up
Synopsis: When that sassy Siamese Henry stows away in a hot-air balloon and goes aloft alone, it is a fur-raising flight indeed. Followers of Henry's cross-country skiing adventure will be equally charmed by his masterey of the wild blue yonder.

The Amazing Air Balloon
by Jean Van Leeuwen
Age Level: Kindergarten and up
Synopsis: In this story based on true events, a thirteen-year-old apprentice takes the first manned hot air balloon flight in America and gains new insight into life's possibilities.

Pop Flop's Great Balloon Ride
by Nancy Abruzzo
Age Level: Preschool and up
Synopsis: None available at this time.

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More Songs for at Home

Before storytime starts, try playing the 5th Dimension's "Up Up and Away" written by Jimmy Webb. Lyrics cannot be reprinted here due to copyright restrictions.