21 Balloons
Seeking the ultimate peace and quiet vacation, newly retired schoolteacher Professor William Waterman Sherman takes off in his own custom build hot air balloon with enough supplies for a year’s journey across the Pacific. 7 days into his trip a couple of bickering seagulls burst his balloon, tumbling him to shark-infested waters. He washes ashore a sandy beach, naked but intact. He is greeted by a friendly and well dressed native, and after donning the natives required attire (a pinstripe suit and bowler hat), Sherman is astonished to learn the island (Krakatoa) is an active volcano and houses the world’s most vast and priceless collection of diamonds.
The island is a quirky paradise; home to 20 ingenious families who enjoy the finest things life has to offer. The islanders periodically travel back to civilization and sell off a few diamonds (careful not to unbalance the diamond market) whenever they need goods. The families are named for the first 20 letters of the alphabet, and Professor Sherman assumes the role of resident guest, that is until Krakatoa decides to blow.
This outlandishly wonderful book will spawn laughs and allow creative immersion. Kids can design and build their own miniature balloon houses, come up with their own unusual inventions (the Krakatoans are quite inventive), make mini volcanoes, and sample international cuisine. This classic was another one of my picks for our boy’s book club, and it was a huge hit.
For extended study (Try this archive link if the original site is down.)
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