Book Review by Aarene Storms: Balloons Over Broadway

Balloons Over Broadway: the true story of the puppeteer of Macy's parade by Melissa Sweet

Tony Sarg was a tinkerer, a putterer, a person who played with puppets and toys all his life. He built puppet toys for the children of London, and then he moved to New York and went to work building animated window displays for Macy's Department Store. When the popular Thanksgiving Day parade needed something new, original, and spectacular, Tony Sarg was hired ... and all these years later, the amazing, enormous puppet balloons are still the highlights of the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade.

Illustrated with whimsical collage that combines vintage Macy's advertisements with watercolor paintings, found objects and colorful fabrics, this upbeat tale of invention is perfect as a quick read or read-aloud for ages 8 to adult.

The events may not have happened; still, the story is true. --R. Silvern

Aarene Storms, youth services librarian

Richmond Beach and Lake Forest Park Libraries, KCLS