More than a century before the Wright brothers’ first flight, humans were taking to the skies in hot air balloons. Today, with basic craft skills, you can build and safely launch your own balloons using inexpensive, readily available materials. Author and inventor Clive Catterall provides illustrated, step-by-step instructions for eight different homemade models, as well as the science and history behind them. Some, like the Solar Tetroon or the Trash Bag Sausage, are made from plastic bags and tape. Others, like the Khom Loi or the Kongming Lantern, are built using tissue paper and wire. The Hot Air Balloon Book also shows readers ways to heat the interior air that lifts these balloons, from tea candles to hair dryers, kitchen toasters to the sun’s warming rays. Always keeping safety in mind, the author includes detailed guidelines on when and where open flames are appropriate and the proper weather conditions to launch these lighter-than-air craft.

Professional illustrator Richard D. "Don" James has a way for children to enjoy the outdoors and the adventure of flight - tissue paper, Kraft paper, even newspaper blimps inflated with hot air from a firebox that he teaches you to make. For the more advanced modelers, there are options for fitting fins and even adding power.

Hot air balloons are huge and colorful. They're lots of fun to watch. But how do they fly? And how do people control where the hot air balloon goes? Read this book to find out!

There has always been a sense of romanticism attached to balloons, as they glide effortlessly and soundlessly in a world of their own. However, the history of balloon flight is often underestimated, as are the fascinating scientific breakthroughs that can be attributed to it.

From that famous day in June 1783 when the Montgolfier brothers launched their first balloon over Paris until the present, people have continued to marvel at the grace and ease with which man can ascend aloft and float through the sky. In addition to a history of early balloon flight, the book describes how balloons are made, how they fly, and what it takes to become a qualified pilot. It discuses as well the record breakers, competition flying, and the weird and wonderful balloon shapes that appear whenever balloon enthusiasts gather together. Lavishly illustrated with over 90 full-color photographs, this volume is a tribute to all balloonists past and present.

A charming animal adventure story that shows how an act of kindness can be returned when in need. Filled with beautiful illustrations and details that children can search for. One day, Raccoon helps an eagle chick back into their nest and it makes Raccoon wish she could fly. She goes to sleep and flies in her dreams. Suddenly, she is woken by a noise – it is an amazing hot air balloon. It lands and she sees an opportunity for adventure. She climbs in and nibbles away the ropes. Soon she is flying! What an adventure but Raccoon soon realizes that she is not actually sure how she can get down... Luckily, the mother eagle sees her and enlists the help of other birds to drop stones in the basket until the hot air balloon gently drifts down. Raccoon thinks she is finished with adventure – until she sees a speed boat! This simple but stunning book is perfect for storytime. There are so many details that can be pointed out and discussed. A real treasure of a book.