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3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
Reading this one was nostalgic! A grade school favorite. I can totally tell why I liked this then and why it still captures my imagination now: the geographic whimsy, the defined family structures, the scientific innovation. The illustrations are great, too, yet as an adult, I can easily say that the end is too abrupt and the Professor's story, both in San Francisco and on Krakatoa could use more plot and details. Still a great read!
Fun little fantasy read a la Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
This story did not seem original enough to have garnered a Newbery, although it was a decent enough balloon adventure. There is a note from the author at the beginning of the book that ended up coloring my whole experience of reading this, in which Pène du Bois expresses his frustration with the inexplicable fact that F. Scott Fitzgerald had published a very similar story, even down to some of the more specific details. The whole thing left a bad taste in my mouth, even though there was nothing particularly wrong with this book. On the upside, the library loaned me a first-edition copy and, halfway through, I found that one of the page signatures had never been cut, which leads me to believe that I was the first person in 70 years to check this book out of the Providence Public Library.
Just okay. It felt like Jules Verne for kids but lacked heart.
this is the first book that I ever hated with a burning passion. if I could do it, I would murder this book. genuinely ruined my life i can promise u that. this book is the sole reason that anything bad in my life has ever happened. no i will not elaborate
This book was truly enjoyable and fun to read. The adventures that the main character has seem like so much fun and really transport you to where he is.
adventurous
lighthearted
Professor Sherman is sick of teaching mathematics to unruly children in San Francisco, so he decides to take a year-long balloon ride around the world and never touch land in all that time. However, within days his balloon crashes near the mysterious island of Krakatoa, and he discovers the secrets of the island where a most unusual society is flourishing and fabulous diamonds are available to anyone.
This is such a fun and entertaining story! The plot has all these hilarious details all about the reception for Professor Sherman when he returns to San Francisco, his arrangements for his balloon house and how he planned his balloon trip, and the strange society that lives on Krakatoa and how they organize their days. Most of the narrative is explaining things, so there isn't a ton of action, but the descriptions are so wild and interesting that you never feel bored.
The writing style is really excellent, drawing the reader in with all these funny anecdotal episodes and details. The writing is vivid and concise. I really enjoyed it, and could barely put the book down!
I think one of the funniest things in the book is that Professor Sherman tries to hide that he is a math teacher from the Krakatoans. He doesn't want to be forced back into teaching after he has finally retired! As a teacher myself, I can understand. haha!
This book is such a delight to read. If you need something short and light-hearted and fun, this is the book for you!
This is such a fun and entertaining story! The plot has all these hilarious details all about the reception for Professor Sherman when he returns to San Francisco, his arrangements for his balloon house and how he planned his balloon trip, and the strange society that lives on Krakatoa and how they organize their days. Most of the narrative is explaining things, so there isn't a ton of action, but the descriptions are so wild and interesting that you never feel bored.
The writing style is really excellent, drawing the reader in with all these funny anecdotal episodes and details. The writing is vivid and concise. I really enjoyed it, and could barely put the book down!
I think one of the funniest things in the book is that Professor Sherman tries to hide that he is a math teacher from the Krakatoans. He doesn't want to be forced back into teaching after he has finally retired! As a teacher myself, I can understand. haha!
This book is such a delight to read. If you need something short and light-hearted and fun, this is the book for you!
I read this book over and over as a kid. Loved the spirit of boundless optimism and enthusism.