The Blue Balloon--the tale of an ordinary, soggy old balloon which suddenly becomes "Indestructible with Strange and Wonderful Powers"--was first published in 1989 and shows the author at his very best. Inkpen's bewitching formula of simple story and clear, bright illustrations draws his young readers into the centre of a world where the name of the game is fun.

With new and witty touches throughout the book and plenty of pull-outs and peek-a-boos to keep keen young fingers entertained, this all-time favourite's 10th-Anniversary edition will introduce the wonders of that mysterious balloon to a new audience. At the same time it will tickle the literary taste-buds of the legions of young fans who already take pleasure in this most magical yet endearingly elementary of stories.

Inkpen says that The Blue Balloon seemed to write itself, and perhaps that is part of the charm. But as the balloon--at first rather sad and pathetic--gets bigger and bigger and better and better it is easy to see why Mick Inkpen has become so popular with toddlers and parents alike. (Ages 3 to 5) --Susan Harrison