The French have a real knack for surrealism and fantastical art. That French surrealist spirit is celebrated is The Red Balloon by Albert Lamorisse. The story follows a lonely boy named Pascal. Pascal finds a red balloon tied to a lamp post that seems to have no owner. He takes the balloon with him as he goes about his day at school and home. Then something interesting happens. Pascal realizes that the red balloon seems to have a mind of its own. It follows him through the streets of Paris like a puppy would follow its master. Pascal is no longer lonely because of his new, red companion.

This book was originally a short film shot in the 1950s. The film was so successful that the director took still shots from it and created the lovely children's book that we see here. The pictures provide plenty of fun action and some of that chic romance that the French are known for. The story is engaging and unique, and young readers will connect with a the story of a kid who is misunderstood by the adults in his life but is rescued by a special friend.