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When Professor Sherman is found afloat at sea, the entire country is on pins and needles waiting to hear his tale — and his is a tale that does not disappoint. Sherman's solo trip across the Pacific Ocean in a hot air balloon is cut short when he lands unexpectedly on the island of Krakatoa shortly before its eruption. The Twenty-One Balloons is a fantastic tale of adventure with balloons, marvelous inventions, diamonds, and a volcano. Recommended by Callie, Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
Publisher Comments:
Professor William Waterman Sherman intends to fly across the Pacific Ocean. But through a twist of fate, he lands on Krakatoa, and discovers a world of unimaginable wealth, eccentric inhabitants, and incredible balloon inventions. Winner of the 1948 Newbery Medal, this classic fantasy-adventure is now available in a handsome new edition.
Review:
"When Prof. William Waterman Sherman was found adrift in the Atlantic clinging to the debris of twenty-one balloons, all America was rocked with curiosity....Dead-pan humor mingles extravaganza with the smallest practicalities." The New York Times
Ava Sennett, February 1, 2011 (view all comments by Ava Sennett)
I wish I read this book as a child because I am quite positive it would have made my imagination go absolutely wild. Unfortunately I did not read it until I was 22, though it still made my imagination go wild and entertained me immensely. This book is wonderful. It was written very well and has lots of fun diagrams and imaginary inventions. It almost reminded me of Dinotopia. This is the type of children's book that adults enjoy just as much as the kids. I recommend this to all!
Was this comment helpful? | Yes | No (2 of 4 readers found this comment helpful)
bytegirl, December 18, 2006 (view all comments by bytegirl)
I read this book when I was a kid and have never forgotten it, and now I can't wait to get it for my kids (plus, I want to read it again)! Part adventure and invention, part history and mystery, with a hefty sprinkle of humor and a dash of suspense, this book is always fun. In the spirit of The Swiss Family Robinson, you will be blown by the winds of fearless adventure and crash into a land where your imagination can run and grow. Unfortunately, you won't be able to put The Twenty-one Balloons down, and may suffer from sleep deprivation and cultural shock when you have to return to the mainland.
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Piper Halliwell, October 30, 2006 (view all comments by Piper Halliwell)
I am very much intrested in this book! I would pay alot of money just for this book! So many intresting details for young children! I think kids from ages 1-12 would enjoy this very much!
Was this comment helpful? | Yes | No (11 of 23 readers found this comment helpful)
When Professor Sherman is found afloat at sea, the entire country is on pins and needles waiting to hear his tale — and his is a tale that does not disappoint. Sherman's solo trip across the Pacific Ocean in a hot air balloon is cut short when he lands unexpectedly on the island of Krakatoa shortly before its eruption. The Twenty-One Balloons is a fantastic tale of adventure with balloons, marvelous inventions, diamonds, and a volcano.
by Callie
"Review"
by The New York Times,
"When Prof. William Waterman Sherman was found adrift in the Atlantic clinging to the debris of twenty-one balloons, all America was rocked with curiosity....Dead-pan humor mingles extravaganza with the smallest practicalities."
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