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Stacks Image 23
A Balloon for Isabel,
Illustrated by Laura Rankin
Greenwillow Books, April 2010
  • A 2010 Smithsonian Notable Book!
  • Washington Children's Choice Picture Book Award Nominee, 2012
  • Los Angeles Times Reading List 2010
  • Selected as one of the best children's books of the year by The Bank Street College of Education Children's Book Committee
  • A Junior Library Guild Selection
It's almost time for graduation, and all the animals in the school will be getting balloons--all except the porcupines. Isabel desperately wants a balloon, and is determined to find a way around the no-balloons-for-porcupines rule. Will her persistence and ingenuity allow her to triumph?
"Illustrations full of color and personality add to the story's depth and appeal. Authentic dialogue, a touch of humor, and Isabel's ingenious invention make this tale of desire and determination a keeper."
- School Library Journal

"Rankin's animal illustrations are wonderfully expressive and make the most of Isabel and Walter's comically doomed efforts...Underwood's story is entertainingly told and sweetly satisfying."
- Booklist

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