Come Back, Ben

PreS-Gr 1—This terrific beginning reader is imaginative, funny, and charming. The text is predictable and accessible, and the cut-paper and ink art matches it perfectly. Happy-go-lucky Ben has a balloon that lifts him up and off the page. With a smile on her face, Ben's sister says, "Bye, Ben" as if it is the most ordinary, everyday occurrence to see your brother carried away. As Ben begins his ascent, the window bids him "Come back, Ben," as do the bees, the trees, the kite, the hill, and many more "friends." There is no alarm in the request; they just want their boy back. When the child reaches the Moon, he cleverly arranges his descent and down he comes, past all of the friends who await his return. It is when Ben and balloon return home that the real surprise comes and it will absolutely tickle young readers. Children will want to read this one again and again. A must-have for both classrooms and libraries.—Joan Kindig, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA