Why am I passionate about this?
I wrote Billy Balloon in fourth grade for a writing exercise. I remember the teacher reading it to the whole class. I was filled with pride. Then through the years I’d revisit the story and think about getting it published. Many years later, with the support and encouragement from my family, I finally decided to go through with it. We then went from wanting to publish one book to building a brand similar to Curious George and Thomas the Train. We had such a great experience and fun time we also decided to share the adventure with others. We invite readers to submit ideas for other books in the Billy Balloon series through our website.
Jack's book list on children’s stories you wish you had written
Why did Jack love this book?
This is another impressive and prolific book series.
The magic here is how trains on set tracks on an island can have such big and diverse personalities. Thomas was the little engine trying to do big things.
In a way he is like a little kid growing up and exploring their independence. He tries to show he can do things the bigger trains (or kids) can.
My kids and I had a great time growing up alongside Thomas. My son always carried a small Thomas toy in his pocket.
I would notice he would pat his pocket whenever he needed extra encouragement, for example, at the park among the bigger kids.
1 author picked Thomas the Tank Engine's Hidden Surprises as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.
Thomas is going on a special trip to the circus, and there are lots of wonderful things to discover along the way--a beautiful hot air balloon, a playful dolphin, and a barrel of monkeys, just to name a few! Lift and peek behind the many flaps and see the hidden surprises. Preschoolers will want to climb on board with this fun transportation shaped flap book, bursting with treasures on every page!