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silver_valkyrie_reads's review against another edition
In theory this seems like a fun middle grade version of Jules Verne. In practice, I'm inexplicably never in the mood to actually pick it up.
jfrie65's review against another edition
4.0
My kids (6 and 9) would rate this higher than me. I gave it an extra star for the detailed illustrations and the description of the diamond mine on Krakatoa.
katykelly's review against another edition
5.0
Shades of Gulliver’s Travels and Utopia.
A find! This did feel like a 'junior' Gulliver at times, a similar style of 'fictional travel writing' and a story with definite lessons in it.
Professor William Waterman Sherman, maths teacher, has been picked up and returned to his home country, found in the ocean in a broken balloon, and refusing to tell his story until he can tell his Explorers Club in San Francisco. Tension and expectation rise across America until he can finally speak of his adventures.
And they are worth the wait. His construction of a liveable balloon home, his voyage over the seas and the accidental discovery of an island with many hidden, fantastical secrets. With a bit of Robinson Crusoe-like invention thrown in, there's a short but very enjoyable explorer tale here that hasn't dated badly at all, it's not a hard read.
I love the author's own illustrations too, with plans and diagrams, very beautiful to look at.
I did have a few qualms as I read - how does one fish when you are moving at high speed across the sea? And why does three days of waste (from food) make the balloon rise in the sky - this is the late 1800s... what waste can there possibly be that weighs that much?! There's also an illustration showing people in bed covered by blankets just after the Professor has mentioned that nobody uses blankets as they are near the Equator.
But that aside, small potatoes. Loved this. An old-fashioned but still easily readable and enjoyable, inventive adventure story.
For ages 8-12.
A find! This did feel like a 'junior' Gulliver at times, a similar style of 'fictional travel writing' and a story with definite lessons in it.
Professor William Waterman Sherman, maths teacher, has been picked up and returned to his home country, found in the ocean in a broken balloon, and refusing to tell his story until he can tell his Explorers Club in San Francisco. Tension and expectation rise across America until he can finally speak of his adventures.
And they are worth the wait. His construction of a liveable balloon home, his voyage over the seas and the accidental discovery of an island with many hidden, fantastical secrets. With a bit of Robinson Crusoe-like invention thrown in, there's a short but very enjoyable explorer tale here that hasn't dated badly at all, it's not a hard read.
I love the author's own illustrations too, with plans and diagrams, very beautiful to look at.
I did have a few qualms as I read - how does one fish when you are moving at high speed across the sea? And why does three days of waste (from food) make the balloon rise in the sky - this is the late 1800s... what waste can there possibly be that weighs that much?! There's also an illustration showing people in bed covered by blankets just after the Professor has mentioned that nobody uses blankets as they are near the Equator.
But that aside, small potatoes. Loved this. An old-fashioned but still easily readable and enjoyable, inventive adventure story.
For ages 8-12.
book_concierge's review against another edition
4.0
Audiobook performed by John McDonough
4****
This is a classic of children’s literature, for which du Bois was awarded the Newbery Medal. It’s a fantastical adventure story featuring Professor William Waterman Sherman, who leaves San Francisco on Aug 15, 1883, in a balloon, with the intention of going across the Pacific Ocean and enjoying some solitude. Three weeks later he’s picked up in the Atlantic Ocean clinging to wreckage. Once rescued he insists on being transported to San Francisco where he will tell his tale – once and only once – to the Western American Explorer’s Club.
What a fun story! Professor Sherman, despite his apparent forethought and preparation for any eventuality, still manages to run afoul of several unanticipated problems … from seagulls to sharks to volcanoes. His time spent on Krakatoa is extraordinary and hard to believe; even in his telling of it, Professor Sherman seems amazed and incredulous.
The illustrations (also by du Bois) help by providing a visual representation to go along with some of the detailed descriptions of the various inventions. I think parents and teachers would have a great time allowing children to explore their imaginations, while explaining the realities of science. But I WOULD like that bed with endless clean sheets! (And having already cut and polished diamonds handily about would be pretty nice as well…)
John McDonough does a marvelous job of reading the audio version. His dramatic performance lends a sense of awe, amazement, excitement, and danger as the scenes require.
4****
This is a classic of children’s literature, for which du Bois was awarded the Newbery Medal. It’s a fantastical adventure story featuring Professor William Waterman Sherman, who leaves San Francisco on Aug 15, 1883, in a balloon, with the intention of going across the Pacific Ocean and enjoying some solitude. Three weeks later he’s picked up in the Atlantic Ocean clinging to wreckage. Once rescued he insists on being transported to San Francisco where he will tell his tale – once and only once – to the Western American Explorer’s Club.
What a fun story! Professor Sherman, despite his apparent forethought and preparation for any eventuality, still manages to run afoul of several unanticipated problems … from seagulls to sharks to volcanoes. His time spent on Krakatoa is extraordinary and hard to believe; even in his telling of it, Professor Sherman seems amazed and incredulous.
The illustrations (also by du Bois) help by providing a visual representation to go along with some of the detailed descriptions of the various inventions. I think parents and teachers would have a great time allowing children to explore their imaginations, while explaining the realities of science. But I WOULD like that bed with endless clean sheets! (And having already cut and polished diamonds handily about would be pretty nice as well…)
John McDonough does a marvelous job of reading the audio version. His dramatic performance lends a sense of awe, amazement, excitement, and danger as the scenes require.
tori_renee_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
4.0
Had some cute jokes and good childhood whimsy
ejpreads's review against another edition
I first read this with Caleb three years ago. When we saw the review for Up we hoped that it would be this story. I hope that Anna and I enjoy it as much as Caleb and I did.
sallyavena's review against another edition
5.0
Another great read a loud book for kids. The fact that the volcano they talk about really did erupt and buried an island just adds to the story.
katherinebriggs's review against another edition
3.0
The Twenty-One Balloons is whimsical with a heavy dash of fun silliness :).