"The two children balance fear with bravery.Heartfelt and accessible." -- Kirkus Reviews "This friendship story is sweet and savory, with memorable main characters in Walter, Posey, and Banjo and a story elegant in its simplicity." -- Booklist "The technical details of retrieving, repairing, launching, and piloting a hot-air balloon add flavor and expand the audience for this feel-good friendship story, and Walter's balloon ride satisfyingly fulfills Tank's dream-given promise of a new perspective on his familiar world." -- The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books "O'Connor's characters are vividly portrayed, especially Walter, whose insight illustrates his grief.Banjo and Posey's antics provide levity, and the quest to save Banjo's balloon propels the plot forward, resulting in a feel-good novel. reminiscent of Moon Over Manifest." -- Publishers Weekly " With its fast pace, liberal use of Southern idioms, one bodacious adventure, and memorable characters, this book has read-aloud written all over it.

" -- The Horn Book memorable characters, this book has read-aloud written all over it." -- The Horn Book memorable characters, this book has read-aloud written all over it." -- The Horn Book memorable characters, this book has read-aloud written all over it." -- The Horn Book.