Inflatable Crown Balloon Hat Book, The [Paperback]

Addi Somekh (Author), Charlie Eckert (Author), Melcher Media (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 2001 | Grade Level: P and up

A smile is universal. And if there's one thing destined to bring a smile to faces the world over, it's The Inflatable Crown--as this one-of-a-kind, step-by-step guide to the most fabulous adornments ever to be put on a human head proves. Armed with a backpack full of balloons, a sturdy pump, a camera, and good intentions, balloon-twister Addi Somekh and photographer Charlie Eckert set out on an expedition that would take them to 34 countries around the world. Wherever they went, they brought joy and laughter, blowing, twisting, and turning balloons into tiaras, crowns, and Master Blasters. But readers of The Inflatable Crown don't need to travel any further than their own living rooms. This kit brings together 30 durable balloons, the best professional quality pump on the market, as well as a book filled with pictures from the authors' adventures and clear instructions for 14 magnificent crowns. Whatever the age, The Inflatable Crown's perfect for parties, show-and-tell, and anywhere an element of fun is required.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

When "certified balloonatic" Addi Somekh and his photographer friend, Charlie Eckert, got a bee in their bonnet to travel the world, spreading good cheer through... balloon hats, they had only a vague idea where this madness would lead. Three years and six incredible journeys later, the creative pair had brought smiles to the faces of thousands of people--and they had the makings of this book and balloon hat-making kit. The small, imaginative book describes Somekh and Eckert's experiences of showing up in towns and rural areas of Europe, Africa, Central America, the Balkans, Asia, the Middle East, and the United States, and making balloon hats for people in their natural, everyday environments. The bulk of the book, however, is a step-by-step pictorial guide to creating fantastic headpieces out of balloons. Numbered boxes with black backgrounds reveal crisp photos of hands twisting, pinching, and squeezing colorful balloons to create swirlies, ballies, dingies, teddy bear twists, loops, locks, and other cleverly named techniques that ultimately result in latex tiaras, polar bear loungers, unicorn hats, Martian helmets, and the spectacular Dysfunctionally Large Hat. Three international balloon photo galleries showcase gorgeous snapshots of people (and a camel or two) wearing or playing with Somekh's balloon creations.

Part sociological study, part entertainment, part how-to book, this kit, which includes the 152-page book, 30 colorful balloons, and a super piston-action pump (as well as a very convincing list of 7 reasons to make balloon hats), is pure fun. (Ages 8 and older) --Emilie Coulter

From Publishers Weekly

Armed with a bag of balloons, a sack of cameras and film and the idea that curly colorful hats could unite the world balloon artist Addi Somekh and photographer Charlie Eckert set out on a global adventure. The result: the Inflatable Crown Balloon Hat Kit, which comes with 30 balloons, a "super piston-action pump" and guidebook. Full-color photographs of the balloon-bedecked children of all ages in Cairo, Kenya and East L.A. make a most artful instruction manual, with photos that serve as a step-by-step demonstration.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 152 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books; Book and Access edition (July 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811829944
• ISBN-13: 978-0811829946
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 8.2 x 2.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #681,636 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pumped Up!, August 27, 2001

By 

Jill Goldesberry (Muscatine, IA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Inflatable Crown Balloon Hat Book, The (Paperback)

It's more than a book. It's more than a toy. It's a glimpse of our world at play. The inclusion of stunning photographs, from cultures and places that most readers have never visited, qualifies this as a "coffee table" book. We have all seen clowns who manipulate balloons into the shapes of dogs or other animals. But, hats? The authors of this book traveled around the world making "crowns" out of balloons, and photographing the people wearing them. Illustrated, step-by-step instructions are given that allow any person with a little creativity to make some fantastic designs. The Balloon Hat Kit provides hours of entertainment for ages 9 to 90. Readers are encouraged to participate in the art of making balloon hats because 30 balloons and a pump are included in the kit. The "Seven Reasons to Make Balloon Hats" will win over even the most doubtful. What I like most about this book is its promotion of the concept that all people of the world are more alike than different. The photos prove that the authors achieved their goal of uniting people across the global through laughter and a sense of fun.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Downright fun!, August 3, 2003

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Inflatable Crown Balloon Hat Book, The (Paperback)

This is a great gift for any age. I got this book and kit for my 44th Birthday and did I have a ball with it. The book itself is beautifully photographed. It is amazing to see where the authors went and who they shared their wonderful, creative talents with. Even if you don't want to make balloon hats the book is a coffee table must. The kit part is loads of fun. The directions are easy to understand and within minutes we were making wonderful, goofy, silly hats, including my 5 year old son and his friends. A gift that will bring lightheartedness and lots of laughter and fun to all. I suggest buying extra balloons, once you get started you won't want to stop.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book put a smile on my face!, April 2, 2003

By 

Bookworm Mom (Texas) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Inflatable Crown Balloon Hat Book, The (Paperback)

I was having a terrible day and I came upstairs to go to bed and noticed the unopened Amazon box. This was a frivolous purchase and I was going to send it back, but the book is so original and beautiful, not to mention a good guide to making balloon hats. The authors went to far away places (Russia, Vietman, Kenya, Indian, Japan, just to name a few and made big beautiful hats for the people there and took pictures of them in them. It put a smile on my face just looking at the book! There are some excellent instructions with great pictures as well. I highly recommend this book for its instructions and originality!