Gina Rae Mitchell

Balloons for Tiger by Lori Orlinsky | Review

A book blog tour from iRead Book Tours.

Thank you to the author, publisher, & Lauren at iRead for providing me the information for this tour.

Balloons for Tiger by Lori Orlinsky 

Balloons for Tiger by Lori Orlinsky
Published by Mascot Books on 05/04/2021
Genres: Animals, Fiction, Children's, Family Life, Pets
Format: eBook, Hardcover
Pages: 38

How can children begin to heal after losing a pet?

Balloons for Tiger takes an imaginative look at this tough topic as colorful balloons travel from the hands of children to their beloved cat who has passed on.

This book lets children open up their hearts and imaginations for a magical journey to the farthest corners of the world, where they'll meet skydivers, astronauts, superheroes, and everything in between.

As they watch the balloons' voyage to the other side of the rainbow bridge, they learn to positively process their grief.

Balloons for Tiger is a great tool for any child who has experienced the loss of a pet--or any other loved one, too.

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Source: Amazon Purchase, iRead Book Tours, Kindle Unlimited, Received from the author or publisher for review.

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Purchase Links for Balloons for Tiger by Lori Orlinsky

Amazon     Amazon UK     BookShop/IndieBound

Barnes & Noble   iTunes      Mascot

The Book Depository

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Book Trailer

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My thoughts on Balloons for Tiger by Lori Orlinsky

Balloons for Tiger is a heartfelt, touching story addressing the loss of a family pet.

The author does a very nice job of writing about this difficult subject to teach lessons while not being heavy-handed or talking down to children. Writing in rhyme helps keep the story light enough for all ages yet stresses the message that all is well.

Vanessa Alexandre’s illustrations are bright, colorful, and very well done. She does an excellent job of portraying exactly what the author is writing about.

This book should be on the shelf of every daycare, school, public library, and of course, in the home that has family pets.

I received a copy of the book for the tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.

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Balloons for Tiger by Lori Orlinsky

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An interview with Lori

1. There are many books out there about pet loss. What makes yours different?

While there are many books out there about pet loss, I found that most of them deal with religion or spirituality. I wasn’t prepared to have those types of tough conversations with my kids. I wanted to teach them that although their cat was gone, she would live on in their hearts forever. As such, “Balloons for Tiger” takes an imaginative look at pet loss as colorful balloons make their way to the Rainbow Bridge.

2. How long have you been writing?

I have been writing ever since I learned to pick up a pencil. As a child, I would always make construction paper stories. That love for writing stuck with me. After I graduated from Indiana University with a degree in journalism, I wrote for several newspapers, magazines, and online outlets. At one point, I even had my own column – TV Diva – in a newspaper! Currently, in addition to writing books, I am a regular contributor for Chicago Parent Magazine.

3. Where do you write?

Prior to COVID, I did my best writing at Starbucks. I love the smell of coffee. Just being there would give me energy! Post-COVID, I turned my basement into a home office. I try to dedicate time to write each day, but sometimes ideas pop into my head when I am on the go. For that reason, I always carry post-its with me.

4. What genre do you write and why?
   

I write lesson-based children’s books in rhyme. I am very particular on what I write and how I write because I believe books are excellent tools that can be used to teach kids about the world around them. As a parent, I know it can be difficult to sit a child down and have a tough conversation with them. But if you disguise the tough conversation in a book, they don’t realize they are learning.

This can lead to a nice discussion about why certain characters acted the way they did and role play about what they might do if faced with the same situation. I write in rhyme because it helps children learn about word families and teaches them the sound of the language.

5. What is the last great book you read?
   

Sometimes, I just need to escape with a good book that doesn’t make me think too hard. I recently read “28 Summers” by Elin Hilderbrand. It was an epic love story that spanned the course of more than two decades. I loved everything about it, and I am crossing my fingers there is a sequel.

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Purchase Balloons for Tiger online from a local book store.

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Giveaway!

Win signed copy of Lori Orlinsky’s BALLOONS FOR TIGER) (USA only) (ends June 7)

Lori Orlinsky’s BALLOONS FOR TIGER Book Tour Giveaway

Visit more tour stops for extra chances to win.

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The Adventures of Molly and Ollie by Sally Beale

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