Balloon Trees (Arbordale Collection) - Softcover

Danna Smith has received excellent reviews for two previous books, Pirate Nap and Two at the Zoo; the latter was featured in Parenting Magazine. The inspiration for her most recent book, Balloon Trees, came from her husband s line of work in the rubber industry. Although his company makes industrial rubber products, Danna chose to follow the creation of a fun product that is near and dear to a child s heart: the balloon. She lives in Northern California with her husband, two grown children, and their cocker spaniel, Peanut.

K-Gr 2-With a little green tropical bird on every spread, the process of balloon making is outlined. Bright, full-color illustrations show the steps of harvesting and processing sap from rubber trees, shipping it to factories, and forming it into balloons of all sizes, shapes, and colors. Two lines of rhyming text on every page pulsate with action and engage readers: "The forms are flipped then dipped in quick-/a trick to make the color stick." These words must be read aloud to enjoy the internal rhyming and wonderful use of language. Back matter has activities that amplify the learning and a discussion of rubber as a natural resource. Beautiful, fun, and informative-a complete success.-Frances E. Millhouser, formerly at Fairfax County Public Library, VAα(c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.