SYNOPSIS

This embellished historical account tells the story of French balloonist Jean-Pierre Blanchard and English businessman John Jeffries (and their two dogs!) who in 1785 completed the first-ever flight over the English Channel in an air balloon. After a rocky start caused by cheeky Monsieur Blanchard, things take a turn for the worse when Mr. Jeffries drops a crucial tool overboard. To avoid falling into the water mid-flight, the adventurers throw overboard all their luggage, provisions and even clothes. But not the dogs! The two gents’ sacrifice and ingenuity helps them to successfully reach the French coast, and more importantly, to become great friends.

PERFECT AGE 6 – 9

THEMES

• Bravery and perseverance in the face of adversity
• Animosity is conquered by friendships developed through collaboration and shared hardships
• Ingenuity can save the day!

We love

• The mixed-style illustrations are beautiful!
• A “liberal” interpretation of a historical feat used to demonstrate a successful truce and partership among two originally “opposing” perspectives – “It’s the English Channel!” “That is to say, La Manche!”
• When was the last time a book showing grown men in cullottes failed to deliver peels of laughter in your house??

CONVERSATION STARTERS

• Why did Monsieur Blanchard say that Mr. Jeffries couldn’t fit on the balloon? How did he trick the scales?
• Why do the two men call the body of water different names? Where is this body of water located?
• What could have Mr. Jeffries done when he first noticed the balloon rising too quickly?
• Why do you think the two adventurers decided to get off the balloon together on French land?