Balloons Over Broadway Book Review (With Video)
Are you searching for a children’s book that sparks creativity and imagination? We’ve recently read “Balloons over Broadway,” and we highly recommend it.
This book tells the true story of Tony Sarg, the puppeteer behind the famous Macy’s Parade balloons. The illustrations are colorful and engaging, capturing the excitement of the parade and the creativity of Sarg’s balloon designs.

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This book tells the true story of Tony Sarg, the puppeteer behind the famous Macy’s Parade balloons. The illustrations are colorful and engaging, capturing the excitement of the parade and the creativity of Sarg’s balloon designs.
One thing we appreciate about this book is how it encourages children to think outside the box and pursue their passions. It’s a great addition to any child’s library and can be enjoyed by both kids and adults alike.
Overall, “Balloons over Broadway” is a delightful and inspiring read that we highly recommend for children and families.
Balloons Over Broadway: Overview
As we dive into the world of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, we can’t help but be captivated by the story of Tony Sarg, the puppeteer who created the parade’s iconic balloons. “Balloons Over Broadway” by Melissa Sweet takes us on a journey through Tony’s life, from his childhood in England to his rise as a renowned artist in New York City.
Through vivid illustrations and engaging text, Sweet brings to life the magic of the parade and the creative genius behind it. This book is perfect for children of all ages, as it not only entertains but also educates them about the history of one of America’s most beloved traditions.
Overall, “Balloons Over Broadway” is a must-read for anyone who wants to experience the wonder and excitement of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and learn about the incredible man who made it all possible.
Innovative Illustrations
The illustrations in this book are truly innovative and captivating. The author has done a great job of bringing the story to life with the use of colorful and detailed illustrations. The illustrations are not only visually appealing but also help to convey the story in a way that is easy to understand. The use of different perspectives and angles in the illustrations adds depth and dimension to the story, making it more engaging for readers of all ages. We particularly liked how the illustrations highlighted the different stages of the puppet-making process, making it easy for readers to follow along and understand. Overall, the illustrations in Balloons over Broadway are a great addition to the book and really help to make the story come alive.
Engaging Storyline
As we read “Balloons over Broadway”, we were immediately drawn into the engaging storyline of the true story of the puppeteer of Macy’s Parade. The book takes us through the life of Tony Sarg, the mastermind behind the iconic balloons that we see every year at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. We were fascinated by the creative process behind the balloons and the challenges that Tony faced in bringing his vision to life.
The author, Melissa Sweet (who has illustrated over 100 books!), has done an excellent job of bringing Tony’s story to life with her vivid illustrations and descriptive language. We felt like we were right there with Tony as he worked tirelessly to create the perfect balloons for the parade. The book is not only informative but also entertaining, making it a great read for both children and adults.
Overall, we highly recommend “Balloons over Broadway” for anyone who is interested in the history of the Macy’s Parade or just looking for a captivating and educational read.
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Educational Value
We were impressed with the educational value of Balloons over Broadway. This book offers a unique perspective on the history of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the man who made it all possible. The author does an excellent job of presenting the story in a way that is engaging and informative for both children and adults.
The book is beautifully illustrated and provides a wealth of information about the creation of the parade and the balloons. It’s a great resource for teachers looking to incorporate history and creativity into their lessons. We also appreciated the numerous activity ideas available online that can be used to supplement the reading experience.
Overall, we highly recommend Balloons over Broadway for anyone interested in the history of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade or looking for an engaging and educational read.
Pros and Cons Balloons over Broadway
When it comes to the book “Balloons over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade”, there are both positive and negative aspects that we have noticed. Here are some of the pros and cons of this book:
Pros
- Engaging storyline: The book tells the true story of Tony Sarg, the puppeteer behind the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, in a way that is both informative and entertaining.
- Beautiful illustrations: The illustrations in the book are colorful and engaging, making it a great read for children.
- Educational value: The book provides a lot of historical information about the Macy’s Parade and the creation of the giant balloons. It’s a great resource for teachers and parents looking to teach their children about this iconic event.
Cons
- Limited audience: While the book is great for children and those interested in the Macy’s Parade, it may not be as appealing to a wider audience.
- Lack of depth: Some readers may find that the book doesn’t provide enough detail about Tony Sarg and his life, leaving them wanting more.
Overall, “Balloons over Broadway” is a well-written and beautifully illustrated book that provides a lot of educational value. While it may not be for everyone, those interested in the Macy’s Parade and its history will find it to be a great read.
Watch Balloons Over Broadway Read Aloud on YouTube
Watch as KidLit TV reads Balloons Over Broadway aloud to see if its a book you would like to add to your home library!
Customer Reviews
We were impressed by the overwhelmingly positive reviews of Balloons over Broadway. Many readers praised the book’s engaging storytelling and beautiful illustrations, making it a perfect addition to any classroom or family library. The historical aspects of the Macy’s Day Parade and the creation of the enormous balloons were also highlighted as fascinating and educational. Some reviewers even mentioned using the book as a starting point for various activities and lessons. Overall, the book was described as a must-have for anyone who loves the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade or is interested in the history of puppetry. We highly recommend Balloons over Broadway for its quality, factual information, and inspiring story of perseverance and creativity.
Conclusion
Overall, we highly recommend Balloons over Broadway for anyone looking for a fun, educational read. The book is beautifully illustrated and provides a lot of factual information about the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the man behind the giant balloons.
We particularly enjoyed how the book highlights the importance of perseverance and creativity in achieving success. It’s a great lesson for kids and adults alike.
While some of the activities mentioned in the reviews may require additional research, we think this book is a great starting point for anyone interested in learning more about the history of the Macy’s Parade.
The hardback edition is of good quality and should hold up well with repeated readings. We think it would make a great addition to any classroom or home library.