April 10, 2018

James and the Birthday Balloon – Book review

Two weeks ago, we received a lovely book (signed might I add!) for my daughter W.  It’s a children’s’ book written by Nicola J. Rowley and is called James and the Birthday Balloon.  We were so happy to receive this book as it came just in time for W’s birthday which pleased her to no end!  For the whole month of March all W wanted to talk about was her birthday – which in a way she had every right too.  But like any 3 year old turning 4, you can imagine it was constant bless her!  As soon as she turned 4 it then moved on to how long it would be until her next birthday and what she wanted – dear lord you have a while to wait bab!

A copy of James and the Birthday Balloon book from cover

Anyway, back on to my review!  This book has been of real interest to W and she’s loved reading it with me a fair few times since we’ve received it. We were especially thankful to the author who took the time to write W a message which was such a lovely touch!

Authors signature and message to W

What’s James and the Birthday Balloon all about?

James and the Birthday balloon is all about James who is a very happy boy and loves to spread happiness through small acts of kindness.  James attends a birthday party for his friend Ruby.  During the party, the children receive a lovely balloon by the balloon artist and in the mist of the children’s excitement, Ruby has an accident chasing her balloon and has to go in an ambulance and into hospital.

W reading the book James and the Birthday Balloon

Ruby is scared of what is to happen, but thankfully James is on hand to help and support his friend.   It’s a great message to send to your children about how to be kind to others and help other children if and when the times comes.  I am always trying to teach my children to care for others as they wish to be cared for themselves, and this book is another way I can support them to learn more about being kind to others.

Willow reading the book James and the Birthday Balloon

I think it is so important to share and spread the word about how we can be kind.  More recently, I’ve been teaching W and her big brother B about random acts of kindness and how rewarding it can feel. This book has allowed them to learn a bit more about the ways in which to do this (especially for W being that bit younger having only just turned 4) and how good it can make you feel.

Bedtime stories for W reading James and the Birthday Balloon on her bed

Finally thoughts

W really enjoyed this book and she’s had a lot of fun looking at the pictures and asking A LOT of questions about what happens to people when they go in an ambulance and into hospital!  It’s a great way to show children that it’s not all scary when it comes to going to hospital and to not fear seeing the doctor.

Willow reading James and the Birthday Balloon

Theres two final points I must add about purchasing this book. 1) This book also includes a FREE audio book read by the TV’s Dr Ranj – is it me or does anyone else have a soft spot for him?!  2) Every copy of the James and the Birthday Balloon book that’s sold will help support Evelina London Children’s hospital, which provides care and life-saving treatment for children in south London and beyond.  Even more reason to buy the book I say!

W is smiling at the camera happy to be reading this book by Nicola J. Rowley

Finally, if you wish to check out this fabulous book by Nicola J. Rowley, please hop over to Amazon where the book is currently priced at only £2.99 kindle edition or £6.61 paperback.  Nicola J. Rowley is also author of the ever so popular James and the Amazing Gift.

For another children’s book review, click here.

*This is a collaborative post and I was gifted this book in exchange for a review.  All words and opinions are my own*

20 comments so far.

20 responses to “James and the Birthday Balloon – Book review”

  1. What a beautiful book. So important to talk to children about kindness!

  2. Jenni says:

    This is such a sweet book! And how lovely that the author took the time to write a message and sign it. My daughter is 4 and asks most says if her birthday is tomorrow! It makes me giggle, time goes so slowly when you are tiny!

    I love that this book has such a wonderful message behind it, and that it is raising money for such a great cause too.

  3. This looks like a very sweet book. love the idea of a free ebook too.

  4. What a fantastic book. I love fun books that teach children a message like this one and it’s fantastic that some proceeds go to charity x

  5. What a great book, those that have an underlying message are always a bit special aren’t they?

  6. It’s always helpful to have books which talk through situations which might happen to children, but haven’t yet so that they are prepared. Having worked for Evelina and bumped into Dr Ranj in a lift I am fully in support of that aspect too.

  7. Aww how cute is that last photo of your little girl with the book, she clearly loves it! sounds like a great story with a special meaning.

  8. Just popping back to say Thank you for joining us at #SharingTheBlogLove

  9. This sounds great for us! My son has just turned 4 and is really kind already, but I think it’s such an important message to send to our children. And yes, he absolutely loves Dr Ranj too! Thanks for joining us at #SharingtheBlogLove

  10. Helena says:

    We were invited to the press release but it was too far for us to go for the day. It sounds a lovely book though. #SharingtheBlogLove

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About

Hi and welcome to The Willow Tree. I’m Michelle, also known as Shel and I am a mama to three beautiful crazy kids – I have two handsome boys and a wild and wonderful girl.

I really wanted a concrete place to share my love for travel, in particular Disney and offer my readers a chance to gain some knowledge around what we love to do as a family of 5.

I share our family adventures which include days out, travel advice and tips, holiday reviews, restaurant visits and of course, our love for Disney, including Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney World.

Life is about creating memories, and here we are sharing them with you

xoxo

 

 

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