Every year in October, visitors gather from all over the world to celebrate hot air balloons at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. The stars of the show are the whimsical Special Shape balloons—these fanciful, brightly colored balloons in the form of bees, trees, pigs, clowns, and more delight children and families as they take flight. Nancy Abruzzo, balloon enthusiast and a pilot herself, presents the magic of Special Shape balloons in this children’s picture book for young readers beautifully illustrated by Nöel Dora Chilton.

Nancy Abruzzo is the author of Pop Flop’s Great Balloon Ride (MNMP). She is the widow of Richard Abruzzo, world record holder of hot air and gas ballooning. Their two children are Mary Pat and Rico. Nancy is president of the Richard Abruzzo Foundation; past president and board of trustees member of the Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum; and Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta ambassador for international pilots team leader. Nöel Dora Chilton grew up in Albuquerque, hearing the roar of balloon burners overhead. She is illustrator of Pop Flop’s Great Balloon Ride and other books. She lives in Hawaii with her two sons.