An unenthusiastic owl states the obvious: He has a balloon. But, as the monkey observes, it’s not just any balloon. It’s a “shiny red balloon,” and one that would perfectly match the monkey’s outfit as he walks to school. Hearing this, the owl realizes what a treasure his balloon is and refuses to trade it for any of the monkey’s proffered possessions—a teddy bear, a sunflower, even a robot. That is, until the monkey offers the owl an old, unwanted sock. A sock, observes the owl, with a star on it. A sock with a “perfectly shaped hole.” Yes, the owl decides, he will trade his balloon for the sock. Now that the owl mentions it, though, the monkey realizes his sock is awfully desirable. Perhaps he’d better keep it for himself! The animals’ impressive range of emotions are delightfully conveyed in the illustrations of this story about coveting, and seeing old objects with new eyes. (Ages 3-7)

“This tightly paced narrative soars.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“An owl and a monkey confront jealousy, the fickleness of want, and the influence of other perspectives in this high-energy story.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“A definite purchase that will be checked out again and again.” —School Library Journal

Owl has a balloon. Monkey does not. What will happen next? Hint: this is not a book about sharing.

Owl has a red balloon. Monkey does not. “That red balloon matches my shiny red tie,” says Monkey. “I’d look fancy walking to school with a shiny red balloon. The only thing I’ve ever wanted, since right now, is a shiny, big red balloon. It would make me SO HAPPY!” But Owl does not want to give it to him. So Monkey tries to find something that Owl wants: a teddy bear, a robot, a picture of TEN balloons. Owl does not want any of these things. But then, Monkey offers him…a sock!

Hmmmmm…Owl is intrigued. Will he trade his shiny red balloon with Monkey?