The Big Book of Balloon Art is a great introduction to an inexpensive hobby that is sure to bring delight.
The Big Book of Balloon Art: More Than 100 Fun Sculptures by Gerry Giovinco. Dover, 2019. 128 pages.
- Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12
- Recommended For: Ages 10 and up
I have a son who is intrigued by how things work and how they fit together. He loves Lego, 3D printing, robotics, and anything hands-on.
A trip to Dollar General inspired an impulse purchase of a bag of long, skinny balloons that included instructions for balloon animals. (We later went back for a pump that didn’t last an hour, and the next bag of balloons from a different location were terrible quality. We now know to purchase better quality balloons, and they are still quite inexpensive. But I digress.) The result? A new, delightful hobby and a reason to buy The Big Book of Balloon Art by Giovinco, aka Captain Visual.
This book has all the information you need to go beyond a balloon dog, and the writing is accessible to middle grades and teens as well as adults. What kinds of balloons work best? How do you blow them up? How do you twist them into so many nifty designs without bursting them? (Yes, some will burst. It’s not a big deal.) There are loads of clear diagrams and designs that I’ve never seen before, and I look forward to seeing which ones my son will try…and also improving my own repertoire.
This is a fantastic activity for personal amusement, celebrations, even earning cash! (Business advice is included at the end.) Sure, you could watch videos, but once you get the hang of the basics, having a quick diagram is much simpler.
Bottom Line: You know you’re impressed with balloon animals. Why not start an inexpensive, fun hobby with your kids?
Recommended Reading at Redeemed Reader
- Resource: Summer Fun Booklist — full of LOTS of books-with-ideas like the book featured above
- Book Review: Calling All Minds by Temple Grandin
- Book Review: Rube Goldberg’s Big Book of Building takes those young engineers to a more imaginative level, complete with instructions!
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