Book Nook: Billy Balloon

 

The debut title in the new series, Billy Balloon (March 2023), by author Jack Payton will inspire curiosity for both parents and young readers alike.

Billy Balloon was born in a little balloon factory on a little hill with hundreds of his brothers, sisters, and friends. The balloons are getting ready for the Great Balloon Race, which takes place on the first sunny day of spring. The kids at school write cards to attach to their balloons, with hopes the note is discovered by another child who would become a penpal. The balloon which travels the furthest–as well as the note that receives a response from another kid–will be declared the winner!

Payton created Billy Balloon in the fourth grade for a class assignment. “The story stayed with me ever since,” he said. “I'd revisit it and think about publishing it, but it never went very far. During the pandemic, I started to think of Billy again. With the help and support of my family, I was ready to launch this book into the world.”

Through the Billy Balloon website, families and readers of all ages are invited to submit ideas for future books and storylines in the series. If your idea is selected by Payton, you will be compensated with a percentage of royalties earned from the profits of that book.

Payton’s goal is to encourage kids to always be curious and adventurous–to wonder what happens to things once they leave your sight. “I’m a dad who wrote a book with his family and hopes others will join me on this adventure,” he said. “I want others to become adoshable–a creative word that means adventuring with joy and intent.”

You can learn more in this interview.

Why did you decide to reach out to your readers for ideas?

Well the writing of the book was the easy part since I wrote it in fourth grade. I broke out all of my old notes and stick figure drawings to show my family as I got more serious about revising it. We had a great time. The kids were excited and impressed. After I secured a publisher to illustrate it and piece it together, I then sat around thinking, now what? Who would buy this book and why? I kept thinking more and more about my future readers, and how to share the joy and excitement my family and I shared getting Billy Balloon published. It was an idea that washed over me that felt so great. Why not ask readers to submit ideas for additional books in the series and to be a co-author with me?  I wasn't planning on having a website, but thought it would be the best way to have readers submit their ideas. So now through billyballoonadventures.com, readers can submit their book ideas. I'll pay for all the costs, and share a royalty with the co-author.

What makes a balloon a fun main character for a story?

Billy Balloon is uniquely relatable. The more happy he gets, the bigger he gets, and the faster he flies. However, if he's scared or sad, he gets smaller and flies slower. I think we are all like that. We puff out our chests when we are proud of ourselves, or having a super happy day. Hopefully, we don't have many sad days, but when we do, we move a little slower, just like Billy. He also has a lot of curiosity and is adventurous, just like the little readers we are looking to connect with.  

What surprised you the most about the writing process?

Writing is a complex paradox. It's a private activity and in the early stages you're not ready to share it with anyone. It wraps you up and takes you on a journey of self-discovery and torturous detail, like agonizing over a sentence for days. Then when you've got it right, and you're done, you can't wait to share it with others regardless of what they may think. It really is a gift like any other artform. I'm still new at it, so I can really appreciate what others have been able to create.

About the Author

Jack Payton wrote Billy Balloon during a writing exercise in fourth grade. This incredible story of adventure stayed with him throughout his life. Now, after many years, an amazing marriage, and two wonderful kids, he wanted to share the adventure with others. He isn’t done with just this one book. There are more adventures to go on together. Jack became Adoshable and invites readers to be the same. Learn more at billyballoonadventures.com and follow his adventures (@billyballoonadventures) on Instagram and Facebook.