BumbleBunnies : The Balloon by Graeme Base

BumbleBunnies book 4. Angus and Robertson, 2020. ISBN: 9781460754030. 24pp.
(Age: 2-6) Highly recommended. Young children will be thrilled to read about the latest adventure of the Bumblebunnies in their yellow and black striped super hero suits and masks. Wuffle the puppy, Lou the kitten and Billington the duck are relaxing in the garden after all of the noise of the birthday party next door when a large pink balloon floats over the fence. The trio are frightened that it is going to burst and race off to find a place to hide, but the Bumblebunnies fly to the rescue.
As always Base's illustrations are exquisite. The suburban backyard is one that will be recognised with its flower gardens and wooden fence. The roses, lilies and iris in the backyard are beautifully detailed while each of the characters has a distinct personality that the young reader will be able to identify with. I loved the look of horror on the face of Billington the duck when he can't find anywhere to hide and then laughed as he stuck his head in the water in the pond. Of course he couldn't see or hear the others call out as the Bumblebunnies fly overhead.
The narrative is great to read aloud and the short sentences and pictures illustrating what is happening on the page would help the beginning reader work out the words and action. Young readers would also have fun coming up with ways that the Bumblebunnies could stop the balloon from bursting. And of course they will love the fact that they know who the Bumblebunnies are, while Wuffle, Lou and Billington remain ignorant of their identity.
This is a series that will become a favourite, with each book reading as a stand-alone. Themes: Problem solving, Super heroes.
Pat Pledger