Doppy and the Runaway Balloons


Children - Picture Book
31 Pages
Reviewed on 12/09/2022
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

H.R. Manske is the Author/ Illustrator of "Doppy and the Runaway Balloons". Doppy is a character that came to her when she was 11 years old and brought her so much joy. She hopes that Doppy can bring other young readers that same joy! When she is not creating Doppy books or illustrations she is either reading, drinking copious amounts of coffee, or hanging out with her 3-year-old son.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Philip Van Heusen for Readers' Favorite

Doppy Dopperton has an adventure that will help children learn the value of perseverance and hope. One day Doppy goes into town and buys three helium-filled balloons. He is so happy but accidentally trips, and the balloons escape. H. R. Manske shares Doppy’s story in Doppy and the Runaway Balloons. Once the balloons escape from Doppy, his life mission is to recover the balloons. Follow him on an adventure as he follows the balloon. He does not give up hope that he will retrieve the balloons. Many different animals participate in the adventure and catch and then lose the balloons. However, as often is the case, Doppy’s perseverance is rewarded by a prize much greater than just regular balloons. Read this little book to enjoy the surprise ending.

Doppy and the Runaway Balloons by H. R. Manske will soon be known as a classic. The storyline will delight young children. The artwork—also by Manske—adds beauty to the story. This easy-to-read children’s book will immediately become one of your child’s favorite nighttime stories. There is a certain melodic rhythm to the text. A rabbit, frog, and bird all take part in this adventure, so if your child loves animals—and what child doesn’t love animals—they will fall in love with Doppy and the animals. Discuss with your children the importance of never giving up on their dreams. Help them understand that a dream may disappear for a period, but often will come back bigger and more beautiful than ever. Help your child understand how things tend to work out for the best.

Emily-Jane Hills Orford

Doppy is a Dop who lives in Dop Town. He was a very happy Dop, always looking for something new and fun to do. When he sees some bright, colorful balloons for sale, he instantly purchases them, having their strings taped to his side, because Doppy doesn’t have any hands to hold onto the balloon strings. He’s now an even happier Dop as he wanders through Dop Town with his colorful balloons. But he trips in the pumpkin patch and the tape comes loose, letting the balloons fly away. Doppy isn’t one to give up, though. He chases after the bird, then the frog, then the rabbit, all of whom have their bit of fun with his balloon, until finally, Doppy finds something even better.

H.R. Manske’s picture book, Doppy and the Runaway Balloons, is pure fun. Told in rhyming verse, the story follows a unique character who looks like a blop of white puffiness. That’s Doppy. His adventure takes him through town on a quest to retrieve his colorful balloons. What Doppy learns is that his determination might pay off in a completely different way than he initially expected. The language is simple so young readers can easily follow along. The repetitive sounds of Doppy and Dop and Dop Town will have young readers chuckling along. The boldly colorful illustrations certainly help move this charming story along. Doppy has a lesson to share with his young readers: don’t give up. No matter what obstacles you face on your path through life, move forward with direction and determination.

K.C. Finn

Doppy and the Runaway Balloons is a work of fiction in the children's adventure and inspirational writing subgenres. It is intended for new readers and younger accompanied readers and was penned and illustrated by H R Manske. In this charming story that centers on positive thinking and chasing after your dreams, we meet Doppy, an adorable “Dop” who hops along merrily until he sees some beautiful balloons he wants to buy. But when the wind blows those balloons away, Doppy begins a runaway adventure to follow them and discovers all the other souls that the balloons touch along the way.

Determination can seem like such a hard, adult word, but the root of it is having a dream and pursuing it, which is such a pure and positive thing. H R Manske homes in on this thrilling and happy idea of dream-chasing to redefine determination for young minds as something to enjoy, whilst we keep ourselves focused on longer-term goals. I was amazed by the complexity of the concept laid under such bright and accessible story beats, with adorable moments of connection between Doppy and the other creatures he meets along the way. The illustrations will be a huge hit with those who are new to reading, bringing dynamic action to the narrative and cheerful, colorful moments that would brighten up a classroom storytime event just as much as a lively story at home. Doppy and the Runaway Balloons is an accomplished and utterly charming picture book that any child would be lucky to experience.

Gabriela

You can enjoy this story just for his lovely illustrations and rhyme or for the message of letting go of things because you never know if there is something better for you in the future.

Sheree

Very cute! This little dop goes on an adventure to reclaim his balloons! Fun rhyming book with great illustrations! Highly recommend for a quick cute kids read!

Alexis Soleil

Doppy loved his colorful when he faced a bird, frog and rabbit who stole his balloons. But, he found an even bigger balloon that no one had the opportunity to steal. I

Doc

Nice colorful drawings. This is a fun book to read to children. Also, because it is so colorful, children will like to look at the pictures themselves if they cannot read. Good job!

Starter

Doppy is so cute! The graphics are incredible and the story is really cute. My 4yo calls this his "special book" and wants to read it over and over. We can't wait for more of Doppy's stories!

Michael K.

I love The Doppy Character! He's just what children need to have in their lives. He's sweet and simple and
very lovable. I know that my Grandchildren will love the pictures-so bright and colorful. I look forward to
more Doppy books!!

Mackenzie

This is such a great story! I love how Doppy goes through challenges and ends up learning an important lesson - things don’t turn out like you planned. Sometimes they turn out better!

Chrissie Daines

An enjoyable read with a lovely ending, showing that misfortune can turn into good fortune. Nicely written with bright colourful illustrations. Recommended.

Mrs. H

A simple story that very young children will enjoy. The message is that sometimes things turn out better than expected.

Yes

This little book is perfect for children. With bright colours and and words that flow. Children will love this book

Stephanie Hrehirchuk

Little ones will have fun joining Doppy on this adventure. Thank you for sharing your childhood friend with us through this delightful story!

Kathleen

This is a wonderful childrens book. Cute story. The colors and illustrations really Bright. Keeps a childs attention! Hopefully the author continues to do more childrens books.

Donna

Just received my book today , it's very colorful and a cute story, I think a lot of kids would enjoy it . Go doppy !!!!

Amazon Customer

Such a cute little story for little ones! Happy and engaging, and definitely a resilient little dop! Such a fun character!

Joy De

This is a cute story that flows well and should keep the attention of children of all ages. Fun and colorful pictures.

Timothy E

Very cute book with fun rhymes and great pictures. Absolutely recommend this book for young kids! Your kids will absolutely love Doppy!

Steve

The grand kids love it, bright colors to keep attention. reminds me of Dr. Suess

Ronnell Beaty

**Doppy And The Runaway Balloons**

What a great story with a tune.

The story rhymed, ripped, went up and away,
With the wind, and with something blue.

I'm just reading this story called:
(Doppy And The Runaway Ballons).

This story also jumps, and hops with grace.
Oh, what a great story, this author has made.

A recommended read, for all the young ones indeed.
so, all the best. And to your success, author and creator: H.R. Manske.

Kristina Ryan

First of all, the aspect of a "Dop" is precious. Second of all, the Dop itself is so cute, there should be merchandise.

The story is an easy read for young readers and encourages optimism and positivity. Doppy finds joy in finding balloons and even when he loses them, his positive attitude is rewarded with an even bigger balloon! It's such a great message to children.

John White

Doppy's probably the cutest character I've ever seen. Excellently written story for the kids. And they get to learn basic color patterns.

D. R. Martin

Fun book and sure to please your toddler with cute illustrations from H R Manske.
Makes me wish I could find a hot air balloon :)

ChetN

Wonderful young kids' book, told in rhyme and illustrated. It's nice to see someone writing things for children who are too young to enjoy books like Harry Potter, etc., or even books for those just learning to read. A very good job by the author, who also did the illustrations. If you have a very young child, you'll probably end up reading this to them many times. They're going to love Doppy and his balloons. Recommended.

Moody Van

For children, tragedies often are framed by such misfortunate events as breaking toys and dropping ice cream cones on the sidewalk. Adults tend to use replacements to quell the tears—a new toy or another ice cream cone. Distraction is another technique that can be effective, and in this book, Doppy’s hard-fought effort to find his balloons fails. But life goes on, and sometimes something better comes along. It’s an excellent lesson that is told through rhyme and superb illustrations. It’s a good addition to your child’s library.

OHBookLvr

Grandbabies spent the night, and this was one of their bedtime stories. They loved it! A sweet rhyming story with excellent illustrations.

Bobos Babes

This was a sweet and silly book about Doppy who was excited to have some balloons that kept getting taken away from him. He didn't give up on chasing them and at the end found an even bigger balloon that he could ride in. We learned from this book to never give up on your dreams. If you are persistent, an even greater result is possible.

Dean Vargo

‘Doppy and the Runaway Balloons’ is an adorable story. My daughter and I really enjoyed reading it together! It is an imaginative and simple book that will teach young kids to read. I wish the best for H.R. Manske and her creations!

Five wholehearted stars! I recommend ‘Doppy and the Runaway Balloons’ to parents, grandparents, caregivers, and teachers everywhere!

Price

It was cute. I like the art style, and it was just really nice all around

JL.

Doppy loses his balloons and is taken on an adventure! Cute concept and lighthearted tale that would make a great bedtime story. Fun, and cute, and silly!

RJT

Doppy Dopperton is an original and creative character. The balloons lead him to a short adventure that kids aged 3-7 will enjoy. The rhymes throughout the story make it a fun read. There are excellent illustrations with bright colors which bring the story to life. An added bonus that serves to set this book apart from others is the strong themes of persistence and determination. I look forward to getting more books like this from this terrific author.

Yugti

I really enjoyed reading this to my son. He liked the pictures and was really engaged when the balloons became lost. The author does a great job of building suspense in just a few short pages, enough for a young child to feel invested. Great job!

Sam Fisher

Overall great job with the illustration and rhyming on this book. Will be sharing this with my niece. Plot is a little basic, but this is a great kids book! If you want to teach some new words and have a fun story time with a youngin, this is a good book. Get the physical copy!

Rikki M

This is a cute rhyming book full of colors and a fun story. The illustrations are very well done and the story was well written. The rhyming may seem forced at times but it still works for the book. Well done.

Kaitlin

My kiddos loved it when I read it to them, even had me smiling at one point. It’s adorable and loved the illustrations.

Heather D

Buy this children's book for all the kids you know! The author not only wrote it she also did all the illustration! It's such a sweet and positive message for all. Highly recommend!

DD.

Doppy is quite a sweet and entertaining character who lets us in on the importance of not chasing after things too hard. You end up giving over a better part of yourself as a result.
I enjoyed this very smart, yet simple metaphor in the balloons symbolism, and the repercussion that come from Doppy doing his best to keep them in his possession.

The author also teaches us that we can't force things. If we just surrender and allow the universe to work for us, it will deliver us abundance.

Such an impactful tale and wonderful read, with advanced truth nuggets for the little ones.

Loved the illustrations too.

Hope to see more from this memorable character

Diamond

If I lose my balloons, I will definitely want a Doppy! This is a book that my three year old daughter really enjoyed. Very cute book!!

Christopher Lake

This book gives young kids and opportunity to learn vocabulary through the story and vibrant illustrations. This also gives parents an opportunity to discuss emotions around sadness, loss, and the importance of not taking what isn't yours!

Newleaf

Such a delightful story of Doppy. Beautiful illustrations with fun rhymes. Your kids will surely enjoy.

Melanie Burgess

This book is bright and colorful. Simple little story.

Peace2all

This is a very cute book for young children. It will keep them entertained following Doppy. Easy reading and colorful illustrations. I highly recommend it!