Abner and the Bubblegum Balloon

Jon Klassen

Feb 2027 · Sold by Scholastic Inc.

Ebook

Pages

Eligible

This book will become available on February 2, 2027. You will not be charged until it is released.

About this ebook

From today's most esteemed and celebrated picture book creator, and in the tradition of beloved classics like Where the Wild Things Are, The Adventures of Beekle, and Harold and the Purple Crayon, comes a new epic adventure story that will enchant and captivate a whole new generation of young readers! Caldecott-winning creator Jon Klassen (I Want My Hat Back) and rising star illustrator Jess Hannigan (Spider in the Well) have created a groundbreaking, funny, and poignant story about the magical places determination and unexpected friendships can take you to.

When Abner struggles to blow a bubble on the playground, his devastation turns to determination. Using all the money in his piggy bank, he buys $42 dollars worth of bubble gum and teaches himself to blow an enormous bubblegum balloon. An epic journey ensues as the balloon carries him far away on a whimsical flight, landing him in a farmer's field, spurring an unlikely friendship. As he earns back the money he needs to float home, Abner soon discovers the quiet pleasure of farm work, the power of friendship, and the profound ways we discover who we are when we dare to venture beyond!

Jon Klassen is the author-illustrator of the Hat trilogy and The Skull, and the illustrator of many beloved classics such as Mac Barnett's Extra Yarn, Sam & Dave Dig a Hole, and The Three Billy Goats Gruff. Jess Hannigan is the author-illustrator of the wryly silly and critically acclaimed Spider in the Well and The Bear Out There.

From today's most esteemed and celebrated picture book creator, and in the tradition of beloved classics like Where the Wild Things Are, The Adventures of Beekle, and Harold and the Purple Crayon, comes a new epic adventure story that will enchant and captivate a whole new generation of young rea...

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About the author

Jon Klassen is an animator and Governor General's Award-winning creator of children's books. His book This Is Not My Hat won both the American Caldecott Medal and the British Kate Greenaway Medal, making Jon the first person to win both awards for the same work. In 2026, he became the first Canadian recipient of the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award. Jon was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and currently resides in Los Angeles.
Jess Hannigan is an illustrator and author living in Hamilton, Ontario. Her debut picture book was Spider in the Well, and The Bear Out There is her second. She has also illustrated for the New York Times, Readers Digest Canada, the Washington Post, and more. She is a lover of bold graphic art and silly, pointless nonsense.

Jon Klassen is an animator and Governor General's Award-winning creator of children's books. His book This Is Not My Hat won both the American Caldecott Medal and the British Kate Greenaway Medal, making Jon the first person to win both awards for the same work. In 2026, he became the first Canad...

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