BookLife Critic’s Review

Colonna’s lively debut follows the warmhearted young Bajette and her magical balloon around a bustling city, as she searches for her missing cat, Rocco. While taking a break from plastering the city with wanted posters for Rocco, Bajette notices a clear balloon floating outside her lunchtime diner. When the balloon suddenly changes color to pink, she can’t help but grab on, sparking an adventure of a lifetime as Bajette’s irresistible balloon carts her around the city, netting her a new friend, Bobby, and helping her sprinkle joy on everyone she meets.

Bajette is a dynamic, upbeat protagonist who will charm readers of any age. Despite being on a mission to find the elusive Rocco, she’s incredibly observant—and always takes time to brighten the days of the people she meets. An elderly couple on a park bench—celebrating their “first trip to the big city”—inspire Bajette to give them a picture frame from her backpack, to commemorate their visit; a wounded veteran with a broken wheelchair rouses her compassion and quick problem-solving skills; and she doesn’t hesitate to help a group of volunteers trying to restore one of her favorite childhood playgrounds. Throughout her journey, Bajette’s empathy is on full display and will motivate younger readers to follow her example.

Ed Hose’s whimsical illustrations radiate with energy and light, layering detail after detail onto Bajette’s grand adventure. From the kaleidoscopic shop windows on city streets to the hint of Rocco’s tail on the newly-renovated playground slide, kids will relish the busy, entertaining graphics in this delightful book—and their adult readers will appreciate Colonna’s timely message that looking out for others is a special kind of superpower. In the end, Bajette’s kindness pays off, and she’s rewarded with a rollicking festival full of friendship, gratitude, and fun. Colonna closes with a download link for stickers, so readers can “spread smiles where you go!”

Takeaway: Compassionate girl with a magic balloon spreads kindness around her city.

Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A-
Illustrations: A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A-