When it starts heading into the final month of the year, the festive season kicks in offering the perfect backdrop for stories that sparkle with snowflakes, twinkling lights and heartwarming surprises. Children’s Christmas books transport young minds to magical worlds where anything feels possible. Billy and the Balloons is a magical Christmas tale about Billy and his dad, a whole host of zoo animals and we can’t have a Christmas story without Santa and his reindeers.
Billy and the Balloons is a 32-page, full-colour picture book, written by Elizabeth Dale and illustrated by Patrick Corrigan. It is a heartwarming Christmas story packed with magic, mischief and a sky-high adventure – a festive flight of imagination for young readers and the young at heart.
It’s Christmas Eve and Billy is helping his dad sell festive balloons to cheerful shoppers. When a gust of wind sends the balloons into the air and his dad’s hands grow too cold to hold on, Billy steps in and grabs the strings. But being a small child, his dad tells him to leave it. That is, until the wind strikes again and Billy grabs the strings just in time. Suddenly, he’s lifted into the air, beginning a magical journey that takes him soaring over rooftops and treetops.
As Billy and his dad soar through the skies, along the way, they pick up some unexpected passengers: a cow, a farmer and a couple of cheeky monkeys. Then comes the sound of jingling bells… could it be? No it can’t be! Yes, it is! It’s Santa! But he’s in a bit of a pickle. Too many mince pies have made him too heavy for his overworked and tired reindeer, and he needs help delivering presents. Billy, ever resourceful, comes up with a clever plan to save Christmas.
When everyone noticed that just tiny Billy
Held all the balloons they were really scared SILLY!
‘Oh Billy, hold tight to the strings!’ they all cried,
So Billy held tight for a magical ride!
Billy and the Balloons – Elizabeth Dale
Overall, Billy and his Balloons is a fun and charming Christmas story that will delight all page turners, young and old. Children will delight in a magical story of ballons, adventure and Christmas.
Written in rhyme by Elizabeth Dale, the text is playful and engaging, perfect for reading aloud. The story is packed with adventure, balloons (who doesn’t love balloons?) and Santa. It is easy to read and follow for young page turners.
The illustrations by Patrick Corrigan are vibrant, whimsical and full of festive cheer. They bring the story to life beautifully and make it easy for children to follow the action and bring it to life. There’s even a surprise pull-out page that adds an extra layer of fun.
Billy and the Balloons is a joyfully fun and imaginative Christmas tale that gently introduces young readers to themes of kindness, courage and helping others – perfect for the festive season. Whether you’re putting together a Christmas Eve box or simply want a bedtime story to spark some seasonal excitement, this book is a charming choice – even though it doesn’t feature a certain reindeer with a red nose.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £11.99 (Hardback) / £8.99 (Paperback)
Available to buy from Amazon here.
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