The Twenty-One Balloons

by William Pène du Bois

Book Overview

A Newbery Medal Winner

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.

"William Pene du Bois combines his rich imagination, scientific...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0140320970
• ISBN13: 9780140320978
• Release Date: May 1986
• Publisher: Puffin Books
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.1" x 7.8"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

Such a fun story!

This is a really good story. I enjoyed it.

Wonderful read

Loved this book Amazing imagination

Wonderful Story

The 21 Balloons is a great story for young and old- about the round-the-world travels of a balloon enthusiast/explorer set in the 1880s. I read it as a child and am glad it's found its way into available paperback books. It's a pretty quick read, and is very well written.

The Secret Classic

Wow--this is a book that I will never forget, but let me expand on that seemingly gratuitous comment. "I will never forget" this lovely tale in a variety of senses that most texts fail to entertain or touch upon that later come into my daily life. As a girl forced to read such dull societal "classics" as Little Women and the Laura Ingalls Wilder series, this book was the first that addressed my love of science, a blend of imagination and what the future can hold, and a modest suspension of disbelief while still fascinating and entertaining with every page! And the illustrations are quiet and beautiful, telling and spare, and lend a reality to the words as icing on the cake. I now bequeath this book often as a gift, since not many have heard of it, and every recipient has enjoyed it--truly! I highly recommend this book as an escape from prescribed reading at any age

An enduring classic for all ages!

I first read this story nearly 30 years ago, when I was not quite yet a teenager; I've read it many times since. It never fails to delight, fascinate, amuse, and enthrall me. It is by turns hilarious and innovative, combining science, fantasy, whimsy, and adventure in an intoxicating magma that explodes in an eruption of high drama. OK...perhaps that last sentence was over the top, but when you're trying to describe a fantasy tale about the explosion of the Krakatoa volcano, you can get burned by using too many cute metaphors and adjectives. Look...let's keep it simple. This book rocks. It rolls. It even shakes and rattles. The story is funny, the scenes are well-choreographed, the premise is captivating, and the narrative is told in a splendidly droll manner. So, if you are 10 years old, or 20, or an old geezer like me who still likes a good kick in the head every now and then, buy this book and read it. It's got balloons, diamonds, sharks, a volcano, exotic foods, fantastical houses, and stuff that will blow your mind. Now...please tell me you liked this review!

Balloon Bedlam!

My teacher read this to me in the fourth grade,and I was so into it, I insisted upon reading it with my Dad and my seven-year-old brother. We where intruiged by the Krakotoans, balloons, diamoind minds, inventions(such as Mrs.M's bed that makes itself, and M-1 and M-2's beds that go through the roof), and the wonderful things they have in William Pene Dubious spactacular book. I could never tell you the whole story, so I suggest you go check out this book, or buy so you can read it anytime! This good for people who like adventure, geography, wealth, and a good imagination! This book got a Newberry Medal for 1948. DON'T MISS IT!