Watching magnificent colors of fabric float across the backdrop of a blue sky is a site to see. Passengers riding in the baskets underneath are treated to spectacular views of the landscape below, observing rivers, valleys, fields, and other topography from the vantage point of the open air. Books for children featuring hot air balloons capture the thrilling excitement of soaring into the clouds. Readers will learn scientific lessons about how these seemingly simple structures utilize heat to deliver a most thrilling adventure.
There is no shortage of excitement when Curious George and the man with the yellow hat take a trip to Mount Rushmore. Plans to take a helicopter ride are diverted by a hot air balloon race. Never one to miss out on a opportunity to explore, George finds himself flying high on a ride that is even better than originally planned. Kids will love the blend of mischief, suspense, and ultimately a happy ending they have come to expect with their favorite monkey.
Hot Air Balloon Books for Preschool and Up
Reaching heights close to 100,000 feet, these contraptions take passengers on the thrill ride of a lifetime that can last up to two hours. The strength of the wind on any particular day determines the speed at which they travel, and pilots can control the direction utilizing vents built into the structure. Children who dream of taking flight inside the basket will enjoy learning as much as they can reading books about hot air balloons especially for preschool aged kids and older. The pictures of balloons every color of the rainbow elicit a sense of wonder in readers who will find themselves immersed in these stories.
The Mystery of the Hot Air Balloon
A fun, easy chapter book that is part of the popular Boxcar Children mystery series. A fast-paced, illustrated story follows the Alden kids who are participating in a hot air balloon festival. What starts as an organized event quickly disrupts into chaos when a balloon takes off without any passengers. The super sleuths put on their detective caps and embark on a mission to solve this mysterious occurrence.
My Bed is an Air Balloon
A lyrical bedtime story that taps into a child's imagination will lull little ones into a dreamy sleep. Twins take two very different journeys from the comfort of their beds- one on an air balloon soaring high in the sky, and the other on a sailboat floating across the ocean waters. Eventually the children unite after a remarkable experiences full of impossible objects with made-up names flying above treetops and across the moon. This magical story, told in verse, can be read in reverse order for an equally magical experience.
Be Brave Little One
The quintessential book for every child reaching a new milestone. The uplifting message about bravery applies to a wide variety of circumstances, like graduating from kindergarten or moving to a new home. The hot air balloon is symbolic of both bravery and soaring to new heights in one's life. Whimsical pictures, depicting upbeat characters ready for a new challenge, appeal to all ages.
Curious George Up, Up, and Away
The mischievous little monkey is at it again. His excitement gets the better of him and he releases the tethered ropes for the balloon prematurely. Off he soars through the sky while the man with the yellow hat frantically chases him from below. There is no shortage of action in this fun picture book complete with a pinwheel activity and coloring page in the back.
Raccoon and the Hot Air Balloon
Like a lot of little kids, a raccoon gets himself in a bit of a pickle when he doesn't think through the consequences of his actions. In this case, he hops aboard a hot air balloon in order to experience a fun ride just like the birds that enjoy flight. The only trouble is that there is no way for the raccoon to land the balloon once he has tired of the big adventure. Fortunately, with the help of some feathered friends, disaster is averted and the animal makes it back to safety.
The World Needs Who You Were Made to Be
It is no wonder this gorgeous book is a New York Times bestseller. The premise is a group of young children who simultaneously design and and build their very own hot air balloons. Illustrations that elicit a sense of dreamlike wonder are paired with a message about valuing everyone's unique contributions. Together the world is a more beautiful place through unity and acceptance. A gift book that is perfect for just about anyone, no matter what age, circumstance, or celebration.
Sebastian and the Balloon
An ordinary day takes a turn when Sebastian constructs a balloon using his grandmother's quilts and afghans. From atop the roof of his home, he embarks on an epic adventure where he develops a fresh outlook on the world around him. Among his adventures he snacks on sandwiches with a bear and collides with a bird's beak. A group of old knitters fixes the puncture and away the new friends fly to further explore.
Nonfiction Hot Air Balloon Books for Kids
Next time a curious child sees a wondrous vision in the sky, be prepared to hear a lot of questions about what makes them rise from the ground and fly high in the sky. Kids may want to know how fast they can travel and what the pilot needs to do to land safely. These nonfiction books about hot air balloons answer all of these inquiries, including the science and technology used to maneuver these awe-inspiring wonders. Unlike engines used to propel helicopters and airplanes off the ground, hot air balloons are depend on a burner to heat the molecules. The hot air, which has become less dense, is then surrounded by colder air that pushes it upward, sending the balloon soaring. All of these concepts are covered in factual books for kids about how hot air balloons work.
Up and Away!: How Two Brothers Invented the Hot Air Balloon
Readers will love this intriguing story about the origins that can be traced back to 1782. A frenchman named Joseph Montgolfier watched some papers rise after a gust of wind carried them into the fireplace. The discovery that heat created a lifting effect planted a seed for his idea. With the help of his brother, they ultimately sent the very first passengers- a sheep, a duck, and a rooster- on a journey high into the sky. Gorgeously rendered pictures capture the whimsy and excitement of a glorious flight that is still enjoyed to this day by thrill seekers around the world.
How Do Hot Air Balloons Work?
A scientific lesson about what sends these magnificent balloons soaring high into the clouds is explained in terms that young children can understand. The effects of hot vs. cold air are covered in addition to the mechanism for steering and other components. A visually appealing nonfiction book for kids who like to understand how things work.
Hot Air: The (Mostly) True Story of the Fist Hot-Air Balloon Ride
A Caldecott Honor book blending lessons in both history and science. This retelling of a momentous event takes place in Versailles where a basket of unusual passengers take flight on the very first ride. Flowery language invites readers to wrap their heads around a successful experiment where participants unknowingly play a vital role. Many of the spreads are accompanied by simple animal noises and grunts, perhaps communicating their excitement to be part of such a momentous occasion.
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