Informational

 Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy's Parade - Melissa Sweet

Sweet, Melissa. 2011. BALLOONS OVER BROADWAY: THE TRUE STORY OF THE PUPPETEER OF MACY’S PARADE. Boston, New York: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children. ISBN 9780547199450

This is a picture book biography that reflects the nature of the person it is about!  The life of puppeteer Tony Sarg is interesting, but might not be well known by many readers.  The book draws readers into Sarg’s artistic work by using found items to create sincere and reflective visual displays on every page.  The mixture of cartoon drawings and photographs are visually stimulating while also insightful and informative.  The infusion of history into the artwork makes reading facts fun and entertaining.  The reader can’t wait to turn the page to see what creative surprises await them on the next page.  Readers will not only discover Tony Sarg, but also gain insight into what determination looks like. 

The entire book appears to reflect the personality of the book's subject—Tony Sarg.  The fonts are varied throughout the text which only supports the unconventional thinking that Sarg demonstrated in creating the balloons for Macy’s.  The artwork as well supports the “thinking outside the box” mentality demonstrated by Sarg repeatedly throughout his life.  The author’s note at the back of the book includes information about Sarg’s impact on future puppeteers.  The three double page spreads demonstrate the enormity of the task accomplished by Sarg with his balloon puppets.  The most notable items found in the book are photos from the Nantucket Historical Association which gives readers insight into the time period as well as the excitement created by the balloons. 

ALA Notable Book

Robert F. Siebert Award Medal

Orbis Pictus Award

*Add string to balloon animals and have a mini parade

*Create a poster collage reflecting found items at a parade

*Share this story as a read aloud before Thanksgiving—then watch the parade.