The Big Wet Balloon    by Ricardo Liniers Order:  USA  Can Candlewick, 2013 (2013) Hardcover     Reviewed by Bob Walch Available in both English and Spanish editions, this Level 2 reader uses a cartoon format and is ideal for emerging readers. The short sentences, repetition and simple story line introduce Clemmie and her big sister, Matilda. It is a very wet Saturday but Matilda doesn't intend to let that interfere with their play plans. The girls slip into their rain togs and go out to run in the rain. Clemmie isn't too sure about getting all wet so her sister gets an umbrella to keep the water off. That works pretty well until 'FLAP!'; the wind turns it inside out. Clemmie is not happy with this unexpected turn of events. To convince her little sister that playing outside on a wet day is really fun, Matilda demonstrates catching raindrops on her tongue, splashing in puddles and picking up worms. Oh, how gross! Then a rainbow appears and Clemmie's negative attitude improves. To make her little sister even more enthusiastic about the situation, Matilda gets a balloon which she intends to 'give to the rainbow'. But when the balloon floats high up into the sky, Clemmie isn't thrilled about the gift giving idea! What's nice about this reader is that it has an extended story and not just the limited narrative so many of these book offer. The art is excellent and if parents check the How to Read Comics with Kids section on the inside of the back cover, there is a list of ways to enhance this story and make it even more appealing to a child. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Kids books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews