Product guide

Balloons over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade

True: Balloons over Broadway is an illustrated nonfiction picture book about Tony Sarg, the puppeteer associated with the first giant balloons for Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Melissa Sweet’s collage illustrations accompany a historical story suited to readers interested in parade history and creative invention.

At a glance

Nonfiction story about puppeteer Tony Sarg and the origins of Macy’s Parade balloons.
Collage-style illustrations by Melissa Sweet.
Digital edition lists 47 pages and supports screen readers, Word Wise, and Page Flip.

Price

$1.99Save 88%

Reference price: ~~$15.99~~

Price checked: Nov 12, 2026

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Pros and cons

Pros

Combines parade history with a story about a puppeteer’s inventions, giving the subject a creative angle.
The collage illustrations offer visual interest alongside the nonfiction content.
Digital reading features include screen-reader support and Word Wise.

Technical specifications

14 specifications

Book details
Publisher	Clarion Books
Publication date	November 1, 2011
Edition	Illustrated
Language	English
Print length	47 pages
ISBN-13	978-0547767161

Reading and accessibility
Grade level	Preschool - 6
Reading age	5 - 8 years, from customers
Screen Reader	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	Enabled
Word Wise	Enabled
Page Flip	Enabled
X-Ray	Not Enabled

Kindle edition
File size	68.0 MB

What to know before buying

Listing details to confirm

The listed age range is 5–8 years, while the grade-level field extends from preschool through grade 6. Choose based on the child’s reading level and interest rather than treating either range as a strict limit. The listed 47-page length is for this edition.

Who is it for?

A good fit for

Children interested in Thanksgiving traditions, parades, or the history of the Macy’s Parade.
Families and educators seeking an illustrated nonfiction book about invention and history.
Readers who prefer an ebook with screen-reader support and Word Wise.

Customer reviews on Amazon

4.8 / 5 · 2,266 ratings

5 stars91%91%
4 stars6%6%
3 stars2%2%
2 stars1%1%
1 star0%0%

Customer feedback describes the book as engaging and informative, with praise for its collage illustrations and historical details about the Macy’s Parade. Customers also consider it suitable for third and fourth graders, so it may work particularly well for children ready to follow a history-focused picture book. The reported enthusiasm is useful context, but individual reading preferences and readiness will vary.

Positive themes

Customers appreciate the informative parade history and collage illustrations.
Feedback describes it as engaging and suitable for many third- and fourth-grade readers.

Frequently asked questions

What is Balloons over Broadway about?

It tells the story of puppeteer Tony Sarg and his role in the invention of giant balloons for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

What age is this book listed for?

The listing gives a reading age of 5–8 years and a grade level of preschool through grade 6. Those ranges differ, so consider the child’s reading ability and interests.

What digital features are listed?

The Kindle details list screen-reader support, enhanced typesetting, Word Wise, and Page Flip. X-Ray is not enabled.