You Can't Take a Balloon Into the Metropolitan Museum by Jacqueline Preiss Weitzman and Robin Preiss Glasser

When I heard the title of this book, I knew I wanted to read it. There's something about little kids and balloons - adventures are sure to follow such a vulnerable couple closely. Of course, reading is used loosely in this situation, since there is no text in the book; occasionally a word on a sign pops up, but I hardly think that counts. Illustrations instead tell the story, a whimsical tale that follows the balloon's flight through the city. More and more interesting characters join the chase for the balloon while the balloon's owner explores the Metropolitan Museum with her grandma.

The illustrations in this book were fantastic. Every page was incredibly detailed, down to the varying expressions on passersby and the landscape of the city. Most pages are primarily in black and white. The only colors are those of the balloon and its pursuers at the time. This helps the reader focus on the story being told. The paneling in the book, as in graphic novels, shows the plot progression, also organizing the tale.

What is especially intriguing about the book is the relationship between the balloon's adventure and the works of art the girl is seeing. This hints at a relationship between art and real life - perhaps that art indeed functions as a mirror of real life. The book incorporates real pictures of statues and paintings, all of which are viewed at the same time something similar is happening in the balloon's journey.

The lack of words in this book does not inhibit the plot. In fact, it allows the reader to be more imaginative in his or her telling of the story. He can make up what he wants the girl's name to be, what the dialogue may be, and what his truths are. The story was imaginative and fun and allows the reader to be imaginative and have fun.