Discover the Fascinating Story of the Puppeteer Behind Macy’s Parade with Balloons Over Broadway

This review will give the reader an in-depth look at the book Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade. Written by Melissa Sweet, this children’s picture book is a delightful and inspiring story about Tony Sarg, who created the first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1924. Sweet takes readers on a journey back in time to explore Sarg’s creative process, from finding inspiration and designing his puppets to working with Macy’s department store managers. With beautiful illustrations, sweet storytelling and captivating detail, this book is sure to be a hit with children and adults alike.  In this review, we will discuss the Key Features, Product Details, Pros and Cons, as well as provide our final verdict on whether or not this book is worth buying.

Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade Review

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Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade is a truly delightful book that celebrates the art of puppetry and the history of America’s most beloved Thanksgiving tradition. Written by Melissa Sweet, this illustrated biography tells the story of Tony Sarg, a German immigrant who invented the giant helium balloons seen in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Key Features:
1. A celebration of puppetry and American history
2. Illustrated with unique artwork from Melissa Sweet
3. Explores Tony Sarg’s journey as an immigrant to his success as a puppeteer
4. Perfect for readers aged 8-12
5. Winner of the Sibert Medal for Nonfiction
6. Used in classrooms to teach about innovation and creativity

This inspiring story will take you on an unforgettable journey with Tony Sarg, from his days as a young boy in Germany to his eventual fame as one of the most talented puppet makers in America. Readers can explore how his daring ideas and creative vision helped shape the iconic parade we know today. With vivid illustrations and captivating storytelling, Balloons Over Broadway is sure to be treasured for many generations to come!

Product Details

Product Details
Title Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade
Author Melissa Sweet
Publication Date October 2, 2011
Publisher Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Young Readers
Genre Children’s Non-Fiction/Biography
Age Range 7 – 9 years old
Format Hardcover, 80 pages

Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade Pros and Cons

1. Pros:
Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade is a fascinating book by Melissa Sweet, which tells the true story of puppeteer Tony Sarg and his role in creating the beloved Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. It is beautifully illustrated with Sweet’s signature collage-style artwork, making it a delightful read for kids and adults alike. This book will inspire readers to pursue their creative dreams and appreciate the power of art and culture.

2. Cons:
The main con of Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade is that some readers may find it too long for younger readers, as it does have a lot of text. Additionally, some readers might find it difficult to understand the historical context and language used in the book; this could be a barrier for those not familiar with the events surrounding Tony Sarg’s work on the parade.

Who are They for

Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade is an inspiring and captivating story that tells the history of Tony Sarg, the puppeteer behind the legendary Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Written by Melissa Sweet and illustrated with mixed-media artwork, this New York Times bestseller brings to life the fascinating history of America’s most beloved parade.

From his childhood in Germany to his success as a puppeteer in New York City, readers will get a glimpse into Tony’s creative process, from designing characters to creating intricate balloon shapes. Melissa Sweet weaves together archival photographs, interviews, and research to create a vivid portrait of Tony and the people behind Macy’s iconic parade.

This award-winning children’s book is perfect for readers of all ages who are interested in art, history, or just a good story. It celebrates creativity, determination, and perseverance—qualities that have made the Macy’s Parade such a beloved American tradition. Balloons Over Broadway is sure to delight young and old alike!

My Experience for Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade

Lloyd Kaufman

Once upon a time, there was a man named Tony Sarg who loved to create balloons over Broadway. He was the puppeteer of Macy’s Parade and his passion for making big, colorful balloons led him on a great adventure.

One day, he decided to make the biggest balloon parade ever. Armed with nothing but his imagination and some colorful balloons, Tony worked tirelessly to create a spectacle that would be remembered for years to come.

After months of hard work, Tony finally unveiled his masterpiece – The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

It was an incredible sight; thousands of people lining the streets of New York City as Tony’s giant balloon creations moved down the street! From Snoopy to Mickey Mouse and even Santa Claus himself, Tony had created an unforgettable experience.

From that day forward, Tony became known as the “Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade”. His legacy lives on today in the form of Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade. This book tells the amazing story behind this iconic holiday event. It is packed with fun facts and amazing images that bring Tony’s story to life.

If you want to learn more about one of America’s most beloved holiday traditions, then pick up Balloons Over Broadway and get ready for a wild ride!

 

What I don’t Like

1. Lengthy Text: The text of the book is quite long, making it difficult for younger readers to stay engaged and comprehend the material.
2. Inaccurate Representation of Characters: Some characters in the book are inaccurately represented, which may confuse some readers.
3. Lack of Illustrations: The illustrations in the book are quite sparse, making it difficult for readers to understand some concepts without additional visuals.
4. Misrepresented History: The historical facts presented in the book are often misrepresented, which may lead to confusion or incorrect interpretations of events.
5. Limited Accessibility: Due to its length and complexity, this book may not be accessible for certain age groups or those with limited reading capabilities.

How to Create a Float for a Parade Using Balloons Over Broadway

Do you want to create an impressive float for your next parade? Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade is the perfect book to give you the tips and tricks you need. Written by Melissa Sweet, it tells the amazing story of Tony Sarg – the puppeteer behind Macy’s balloon floats.

To get started on building your own float, you’ll need some balloons and a way to inflate them. Before you begin, read through Tony Sarg’s journey to get inspired. You can also look at pictures in the book! Once you have a design in mind, here are some steps to follow as you build your float:

  1. Make sure your balloons are properly inflated. Inflate the balloons with an air pump and check that they are not too tight or too loose.
  2. Select the right materials. Use craft supplies like string, glue, paper, fabric, paint and other decorations to add character to your float.
  3. Construct a frame for your float. This will provide support for your design. For example, you could use wooden dowels or plastic tubes.
  4. Attach the balloons to the frame. Secure them with ribbon or string so that they don’t move around when placed on a vehicle.
  5. Decorate your float with additional details. Add any extra touches such as glitter, streamers or other decorations.

Now that your float is ready, it’s time to hit the parade route! With Balloons Over Broadway as your guide, you’ll be able to create a spectacular float that will wow spectators. Have fun!

Questions about Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade

 

What is “Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade”?

“Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade” is a non-fiction picture book written and illustrated by Melissa Sweet. It tells the story of Tony Sarg, the puppeteer who created the first giant balloons for New York City’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Who is Tony Sarg?

Tony Sarg was a marionette maker and puppeteer born in Germany in 1880. He had an incredible knack for creating characters out of unconventional materials like cloth, leather, and papier-mâché. When he moved to America, he became known as “The King of the Giants” when he designed the first giant balloons for Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1927.

What age group is “Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade” suitable for?

This educational picture book is suitable for readers aged 4-8 years old. It provides a great opportunity to introduce children to the history behind one of America’s most iconic parades.

Lloyd Kaufman

Hi, my name is Lloyd and I'm a book enthusiast. I love to read all kinds of books, from classic literature to modern fantasy, as well as non-fiction works. I also enjoy writing reviews and giving my opinion on the books that I have read.

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