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A Balloon for Isabel
Balloons are bright and floaty and shiny and perfect . More than anything else in the whole wide world, Isabel wants a balloon. Everyone will get one on Graduation Day—everyone except the porcupines, because Porcupines + Balloons = Trouble But Isabel isn't going to settle for another boring bookmark. She has a plan. . . .
32 pages, Hardcover
First published July 14, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
October 31, 2016
o Summary: Isabel is a porcupine who is about to graduate. All of the other kids who are graduating get a balloon. None of the porcupines can have balloons because their teachers says that they will just pop. Isabel and her friend Walter try to think of different ways that they can make sure that they will get a balloon instead of a silly bookmark. Finally Isabel covers herself in small candies that way she cannot poke and pop her graduation balloon.
o Grade level: 2nd
o Appropriate classroom use would be a good to read during story time or a good book to have on your bookshelf.
o Individual students who might benefit from reading would be anyone. It is a fun book to read!
o Small group use: Students could read it to each other by taking turns reading a page each.
o Whole class use: Could be read during story time.
o Related books in genre/subject or content area: none
o Multimedia connections available: none
o Grade level: 2nd
o Appropriate classroom use would be a good to read during story time or a good book to have on your bookshelf.
o Individual students who might benefit from reading would be anyone. It is a fun book to read!
o Small group use: Students could read it to each other by taking turns reading a page each.
o Whole class use: Could be read during story time.
o Related books in genre/subject or content area: none
o Multimedia connections available: none
July 12, 2023
I love to read this at the end of the year. I have the students draw themselves. They choose a piece of origami paper, cut it into the shape of a balloon and then paste it into their picture. Then draw the string to the balloon. I display the picture at the beginning of the book that Isabel drew of herself.
We read this again this year, but did not have the time to do the drawing activity. I am amazed though how things still jump out at me after several reads - and even this time when I read the page about the balloon floating around like a ghost. A student pointed out the spookiness of the illustration - a get so busy reading while they look at the pictures. I miss half the book!
We read this again this year, but did not have the time to do the drawing activity. I am amazed though how things still jump out at me after several reads - and even this time when I read the page about the balloon floating around like a ghost. A student pointed out the spookiness of the illustration - a get so busy reading while they look at the pictures. I miss half the book!
January 12, 2011
This is my favorite picture book for this year. I think it would be wonderful for a strong female story time for March. I was just entranced by Isabel. Her planning, perseverance, and imagination are heartwarming. The writing is perfect from the "No fair" that begins the story. The tone "Isabel wanted a balloon more than anything" is perfect for the picture book crowd. The solution will please everyone.
July 3, 2014
Isabel and her friends are graduating and she is so looking forward to the graduation balloons!
But porcupines aren't given balloons because of their sharp quills.! And Isabel has her heart set on getting a balloon!
How she accomplishes this is a delight to read. Well done and very cute illustrations!
But porcupines aren't given balloons because of their sharp quills.! And Isabel has her heart set on getting a balloon!
How she accomplishes this is a delight to read. Well done and very cute illustrations!
June 29, 2010
Cute story about negotiating rules in a healthy way, fun for 3-5's story times.
June 8, 2012
What a cute book! I love Isabel and her creative solution to her balloon problem. This makes me wish I taught kindergarten so I could read this aloud to them! :)
May 29, 2014
Very cute. I love Isabell's ingenuity and tenacity. If only this was about hedgehogs instead--but porcupines here are cute, too ;-)
April 30, 2010
This book made me feel injustice and then joy. Wonderful illustrations!
October 2, 2019
Isabel was a very determine girl when getting what she wanted. As a porcupines getting a balloon was going to be a very difficult thing to do. Isabel was so sad that all of his classmates were going to get balloons in graduation except her and the porcupines. She thought and thought of many solutions but neither of them worked. Until one day a great idea occur to her.The theme in this book in perseverance sometimes what we want will not always be that easy to get but if we persevere we could get it. I enjoyed reading the book because it was very interesting in how Isabel was determine to solve on how to get the balloon. I really recommend for children's to read this book because it shows them that not everything in life will be that easy to get but if you persevere you will do. It will show them to to fight for what they want.
March 2, 2017
this book is about two porcupines, there about to graduate with all of their class mates. for graduation all of the kids except them get balloons. Isabel tries to persuade her teacher to get balloons instead of bookmarks but she wouldn't budge. the teacher is also a porcupine. she and Walter try to come up with ideas to cover up their quills but none of it works. until Isabel put gumdrops on their quill. so the next day she got a balloon. including her teacher who also used her idea.
I really enjoyed this book because of the adversity the porcupines over come.
I could use this book in my class to show the students that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. it is a great text that you could relate a discussion to also.
I really enjoyed this book because of the adversity the porcupines over come.
I could use this book in my class to show the students that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. it is a great text that you could relate a discussion to also.
February 19, 2020
Simple yet profound story about animals in a classroom being treated differently according to species, meaning the young porcupine isn't allowed a balloon. This premise already makes for a great story, but for me, what makes it superb is that the TEACHER is also a porcupine, and denies Isabel a balloon just as she was denied one as a child. I can relate to this. Think of all the well-meaning teachers who tell their students, "I know this book has a girl on the cover, but--" and other such things that foster stereotypes and inequality. Where does this pedagogy come from, and how can we break the cycle that was taught to us? I think future teachers need to read Underwood's little gem, so we don't hold back from our students all the balloons that were withheld from us.
February 15, 2018
My daughter and I read this book everyday last week. She picked it because she is really into balloons and balls and the moment. (She's almost 2). Deborah Underwood did a fantastic job of relying the importance of the porcupine's struggle, and ultimately her victory against those who think porcupines don't deserve balloons.
To be honest, the story reads on many levels and we believed the moral of this story was: Your dreams may seem impossible, but if you think outside the box, you can accomplish anything.
To be honest, the story reads on many levels and we believed the moral of this story was: Your dreams may seem impossible, but if you think outside the box, you can accomplish anything.
August 6, 2017
This story about a porcupine child wanting a balloon for her graduation and not being allowed because of her quills and the chance of popping hers. She finds a way to get her balloon and not a paper substitute. All the other woodland animals will get balloons but she and her friend are denied one due to their quills. Discover her great ideas to protect the balloons from her quills. Fun story and creative porcupine with time running out. See how she surprises someone else.
September 5, 2018
Isabel wants a graduation balloon like the other animal students will receive, but since she is a porcupine her teacher says no - because her quills will pop it. Isabel tries different ideas to convince her teacher, but it's the day before graduation that she gets her best idea. This is an adorable story with delightfully charming illustrations.
December 11, 2021
Pure fun. This book is fun to read and fun to look at. Especially fun to look at.
Isabel really want to have a balloon like the other animal children but she is a porcupine. And she would get scared if a balloon popped near her, her teacher said. Isabel comes up with a brilliant plan that involves jelly beans and it works.
Isabel really want to have a balloon like the other animal children but she is a porcupine. And she would get scared if a balloon popped near her, her teacher said. Isabel comes up with a brilliant plan that involves jelly beans and it works.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2021
CLEAR UR SHT BOOK 30 prompt 18
This book is for the mommy & me project ( name was not chosen by us).
this is 4 book in this series. should you read this one yes. why? because its adorable. if I tell too much it would ruin the cute ending.
This book is for the mommy & me project ( name was not chosen by us).
this is 4 book in this series. should you read this one yes. why? because its adorable. if I tell too much it would ruin the cute ending.
March 22, 2024
The creative problem solving in this book was a true highlight. Little Isabel perseveres to ensure she and her porcupine classmates can enjoy a balloon at graduation, just like the other kids. The colorful illustrations and quick pacing of this book made it a repeat request each night.
May 22, 2019
Sweet story of porcupines who want balloons for Kindergarten graduation.
July 23, 2020
I am not sure what the message is. Change yourself to fit in?
November 4, 2020
Very cute story
September 9, 2021
it was cute and red and got a bloone i like the pikchers anj silly hair
June 21, 2022
A good picture book to discuss the meaning of the word “fair” with a main character who is determined and perseveres with her creativeness and imagination.
February 2, 2021
Genre: Modern Fantasy Grade: K-2
I really enjoyed this and the message it shared. Throughout the book, Isabel is determined to earn a balloon, despite the fact she is a porcupine. This book helps children to see that hard work and determination pays off. This is important for children to learn at an early age because it gives them a growth mindset perspective, instead of choosing to easily give up. This was such a cute book and I will definitely have this in my future classroom library!
I really enjoyed this and the message it shared. Throughout the book, Isabel is determined to earn a balloon, despite the fact she is a porcupine. This book helps children to see that hard work and determination pays off. This is important for children to learn at an early age because it gives them a growth mindset perspective, instead of choosing to easily give up. This was such a cute book and I will definitely have this in my future classroom library!
November 8, 2016
Summary: Isabel the porcupine and her friend Walter are excited, but they have one problem: they do not get to receive balloons like all the other students because their spikes are too dangerous. Every year porcupines get bookmarks for every celebration while all the other students receive a fun balloon Her porcupine teacher Ms. Quill discourages Isabel from wanting a balloon by showing a problem with all of her possible solutions to getting a balloon despite her spikes. Isabel is determined to have one so she tries dressing her and Walter in all kinds of outfits to attempt at hiding the spikes such as pillows, bubble wrap, and even wearing a box stopper, all of which failed. Finally the day before graduation, Isabel comes up with the idea of using the jelly beans at Walter's house to cover up each spike on her. She shows up to school and even Ms. Quill is impressed. Isabel, Walter, and Ms. Quill all get a balloon to hold at graduation finally.
Theme: The theme of this book is to never give up even if others tell you there is no possible way. Perseverance can be seen through Isabel when she finally comes up with a solution to her problem.
Personal Response: This book is such a great example that no one should ever give up whether it is in school, sports, friendships, or even things that would take a miracle. When I was in 4th grade, I had a staph infection that ate apart my lower spine and the doctors told me I would never be able to do any type of intense physical activity much less do the one thing I truly had a passion for—dance. Because I loved dance so much, I did everything I could to rehabilitate my body in order to do it again. After 6 months of lots of physical therapy, ballet retraining, back braces, home care visits, and pic lines, I was able to dance all the way through high school and even in my first year of college. Because I did not give up, I was able to overcome an obstacle that seemed impossible, just like Isabel did.
Recommendations:
I recommend this book to read to children in early elementary school as a parent. This is an important life lesson that every child needs to hear: never give up on anything because there is always a solution. This book would also be great in classrooms to teach the lesson from a teacher's perspective.
Theme: The theme of this book is to never give up even if others tell you there is no possible way. Perseverance can be seen through Isabel when she finally comes up with a solution to her problem.
Personal Response: This book is such a great example that no one should ever give up whether it is in school, sports, friendships, or even things that would take a miracle. When I was in 4th grade, I had a staph infection that ate apart my lower spine and the doctors told me I would never be able to do any type of intense physical activity much less do the one thing I truly had a passion for—dance. Because I loved dance so much, I did everything I could to rehabilitate my body in order to do it again. After 6 months of lots of physical therapy, ballet retraining, back braces, home care visits, and pic lines, I was able to dance all the way through high school and even in my first year of college. Because I did not give up, I was able to overcome an obstacle that seemed impossible, just like Isabel did.
Recommendations:
I recommend this book to read to children in early elementary school as a parent. This is an important life lesson that every child needs to hear: never give up on anything because there is always a solution. This book would also be great in classrooms to teach the lesson from a teacher's perspective.
June 11, 2010
Do your children ever feel doomed by impossible rules? Or are they the sort who will do anything to come up with a creative solution? Isabel is a determined optimist. A Balloon for Isabel brought a smile to my face and brightened my day. This is perfect for a birthday or end-of-year treat, either for a sunny optimist or a little kid who needs some encouragement. It will bring sweet laughter, reminding us all that a little creative thinking will solve the prickliest of problems.
Isabel's school has a special celebration at the end of the year. Every child receives a special balloon on graduation day – everyone, except the porcupines. Isabel's teacher tells her that the porcupine's quills would pop their balloon, scaring the children. Instead, they’ll get a a lovely graduation bookmark.
In Isabel's eyes, that's "No fair." Isabel is angry and disappointed, but she’s also determined to figure out a way to get a balloon on graduation day. Isabel and her friend Walter, a fellow porcupine, try all sorts of solutions so their quills won't pop the balloons: wearing giant boxes, strapping pillows onto each other, and wrapping themselves in packing bubbles. Isabel finds the perfect solution when she sees a bowl of gumdrops. They're perfect to top her quills and make them pop-proof! Isabel is happy as can be, as is her teacher.
Deborah Underwood's writing flows naturally and smoothly, as she leads us through Isabel's plans to solve her problems. Laura Rankin’s illustrations are a joy. They are bright and expressive. She makes the most of the children's emotions, ranging from frustration and disappointment to determination and excitement.
Isabel's school has a special celebration at the end of the year. Every child receives a special balloon on graduation day – everyone, except the porcupines. Isabel's teacher tells her that the porcupine's quills would pop their balloon, scaring the children. Instead, they’ll get a a lovely graduation bookmark.
In Isabel's eyes, that's "No fair." Isabel is angry and disappointed, but she’s also determined to figure out a way to get a balloon on graduation day. Isabel and her friend Walter, a fellow porcupine, try all sorts of solutions so their quills won't pop the balloons: wearing giant boxes, strapping pillows onto each other, and wrapping themselves in packing bubbles. Isabel finds the perfect solution when she sees a bowl of gumdrops. They're perfect to top her quills and make them pop-proof! Isabel is happy as can be, as is her teacher.
Deborah Underwood's writing flows naturally and smoothly, as she leads us through Isabel's plans to solve her problems. Laura Rankin’s illustrations are a joy. They are bright and expressive. She makes the most of the children's emotions, ranging from frustration and disappointment to determination and excitement.
February 24, 2023
Wow! I really hated this book a year ago. I don't' know what happened since then, but 1. I forgot I had even read it, and 2. As I was (re)reading it, I was completely and utterly in love with it! Isabel is facing an injustice, it is unfair, but she faces it with conviction and courage. I fell in love with her and was delighted with the humorous ways she works to solve her problem. Maybe last year I had been reading too many books about characters being treated unfairly and had grown weary of it. Today this one hits the sweet spot for me.
From 2022:
Published in 2010, it's clear how far we've come (and are still going...) as a society when it comes to issues of inclusion. In this story, all the kids get balloons except the porcupines because they have quills that could pop the balloons. Instead, they will get bookmarks. This entire premise is awful. If bookmark is considered as good as a balloon, why not give every student a bookmark instead of pointing out the porcupines' "failings" when it comes to managing something as delicate as a balloon? But since the teacher will not give every kid a bookmark, it is clear that this is a second-rate gift, and so she needs to rethink her plan entirely. I'm so glad Isobel and her other porcupine friends found a solution to the problem, and it is a humorous and satisfying solution, but really? Why is this even a story? Extra star for the adorable art. (2 stars)
P.S. I would MUCH rather have a bookmark than a balloon. Any day!!
From 2022:
Published in 2010, it's clear how far we've come (and are still going...) as a society when it comes to issues of inclusion. In this story, all the kids get balloons except the porcupines because they have quills that could pop the balloons. Instead, they will get bookmarks. This entire premise is awful. If bookmark is considered as good as a balloon, why not give every student a bookmark instead of pointing out the porcupines' "failings" when it comes to managing something as delicate as a balloon? But since the teacher will not give every kid a bookmark, it is clear that this is a second-rate gift, and so she needs to rethink her plan entirely. I'm so glad Isobel and her other porcupine friends found a solution to the problem, and it is a humorous and satisfying solution, but really? Why is this even a story? Extra star for the adorable art. (2 stars)
P.S. I would MUCH rather have a bookmark than a balloon. Any day!!
June 27, 2014
This book starts with a great hook. Isabel and Walter, two little porcupines, are protesting an unfairness done to them two days before graduation. Because they are covered in quills, Isabel and Walter will not be presented with balloons. They are tired of receiving bookmarks. (The skunks, raccoons, mice, foxes, and other characters appear to be kindergarten age.)
Walter and Isabel attempt several strategies to change the teacher’s mind. The teacher is also a porcupine and has logical reasons why they should not be given balloons. Walter and Isabel refuse to give up their dream. They discuss the special characteristics of balloons and why they each want one so badly. After several failed attempts, Walter and Isabel succeed and are rewarded with the longed for red and green balloons.
Many children will identify with Isabel. It is deeply frustrating to be told you can’t have something because you’re different than everyone else. Isabel and Walter’s determination, problem-solving, and creative thinking are inspiring. The happy ending is well earned.
Laura Rankings illustrations are bright and charming. Readers will laugh at the porcupine’s expressions and their attempts to become pop – proof.
Highly recommended.
Walter and Isabel attempt several strategies to change the teacher’s mind. The teacher is also a porcupine and has logical reasons why they should not be given balloons. Walter and Isabel refuse to give up their dream. They discuss the special characteristics of balloons and why they each want one so badly. After several failed attempts, Walter and Isabel succeed and are rewarded with the longed for red and green balloons.
Many children will identify with Isabel. It is deeply frustrating to be told you can’t have something because you’re different than everyone else. Isabel and Walter’s determination, problem-solving, and creative thinking are inspiring. The happy ending is well earned.
Laura Rankings illustrations are bright and charming. Readers will laugh at the porcupine’s expressions and their attempts to become pop – proof.
Highly recommended.
September 12, 2016
This book was about some porcupines who used problem solving to get balloons. I liked this book because it shows that if you don't try, you will never know. I would use this book to show kids that it's ok to try something out even if it doesn't work.
October 14, 2010
Graduation from Kindergarten is just two days away, and Isabel is determined to have a balloon. All the other graduates will have balloons, but not the porcupines - it isn't safe for a porcupine to hold a balloon. Isabel's determination and creativity bring about a delightful resolution to this problem.
This book is just delightful. The illustrations perfectly complement the sweet, fast-paced, completely fun text. I love that Isabel doesn't give up - she is determined to have a balloon! And she isn't just doing it for herself, but for all the other porcupines, too. I LOVE the ending - it left me with a huge smile on my face. And hooray for celebrating the simple things in life - balloons really are fun. :)
(As a side note, I have to say that I think it's pretty funny that it's considered ok for the other children to have balloons around the porcupines, but not for the porcupines to hold the balloons themselves. Do the adults really think that just because the porcupines aren't holding the balloons that no balloon will touch one of their quills? Seriously?)
Lovely book. I will definitely recommend it to people who come to my library, looking for a good picture book.
This book is just delightful. The illustrations perfectly complement the sweet, fast-paced, completely fun text. I love that Isabel doesn't give up - she is determined to have a balloon! And she isn't just doing it for herself, but for all the other porcupines, too. I LOVE the ending - it left me with a huge smile on my face. And hooray for celebrating the simple things in life - balloons really are fun. :)
(As a side note, I have to say that I think it's pretty funny that it's considered ok for the other children to have balloons around the porcupines, but not for the porcupines to hold the balloons themselves. Do the adults really think that just because the porcupines aren't holding the balloons that no balloon will touch one of their quills? Seriously?)
Lovely book. I will definitely recommend it to people who come to my library, looking for a good picture book.
November 24, 2013
Most children enjoy balloons. They are bright and some of them even float. This book uses fiction to tell a story about a girl porcupine who is graduating from kindergarten. All of the animal sudents in her class got balloons at graduation. She wanted one too. But porcupines could not have balloons because their quills would bust them and scare everyone.So she looked for ideas. She tried several things that didnot work such as putting pillows on the heads of all of the porcupines in the class but the quills stuck out of the pillows.One day she is counting gum drops and decited to try them on her quills. This worked and all of the porcupines were happy that they could have balloons for graduation instead of the usual book mark that they had to have. When the teacher who was also a porcupine sha Isabels idea she was happy and wanted gum drops for her quils too. This is a fun exciting story that young children will enjoy and it teaches a lesson that you should never give up on a dream because if you work hard they can come true.
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