Blue, Barry and Pancakes: Escape from Balloonia (book 2)

Blue and Barry are enjoying a quiet afternoon when Pancakes bursts in and announces that she's made not just a rocket out of balloons, but a a whole planet named Balloonia. Somewhat reluctantly, Blue and Barry agree to take a quick look at Pancakes' creations, but soon find themselves stranded on Balloonia, trapped in the Play Pen and facing battle with Balloon Kong! How will they ever escape?

Perfectly pitched for younger readers, Blue, Barry and Pancakes: Escape from Balloonia is a completely bonkers, fast-paced graphic novel. The simple text and bright, bold illustrations are sure to appeal to the most reluctant reader, taking them on a completely madcap adventure. Full of humour, the book offers a satisfying read for children who are attracted to books like the Bunny vs Monkey series, but are not quite ready for them.

Blue is a bookworm, Pancake a rabbit, and Barry a frog. Although very different characters, they are firm friends, and this is a strong theme throughout the book. Pancake learns that she needs to listen to her friend more. The fact that sometimes they want to enjoy quiet time to pursue their own interests doesn't mean that they can't be friends. The story also shows that when they work together, they can make things happen.

At the end of the book, there are instructions for making a Balloonian as well as a page of balloon characters to find hidden in the illustrations, encouraging children to linger over the pictures. Great fun for KS1 children!

128 pages / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 5+

Blue, Barry and Pancakes is the book all reluctant readers have been waiting for. Packed with beautifully observed characters, full of fun and with an adventure at every turn, this is a wonderful read from cover to cover.

Wanting a quiet day to read or make will be relatable for most readers but what happens next is pure fantasy adventure. Dan and Jason have managed to create a perfect marriage between text and illustration to ensure that this story is fast-paced for every reader, no matter how confident they feel. This is a must have series for every school library and reading for pleasure station.

I know we will need more than one copy as it will be so popular. Pupils I have shared it with have been so enthusiastic that they have needed to read it in one sitting. Just brilliant.

128 pages / Reviewed by Amanda Shipton, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 5+