Trip in a balloon

Trip in a Balloon was published in 1960 as a companion piece to Albert Lamorisse’s acclaimed cinematic works. Following the international success of his short film The Red Balloon, Lamorisse sought to translate the whimsical, atmospheric visual storytelling of his movies into the medium of the photographic picture book. Produced by Doubleday, the work captures the same sense of aerial wonder and childhood innocence that defined his directorial style, utilizing high-quality still photography from the film production to narrate a journey over the French countryside.

The book stands as a testament to the mid-century European approach to children's literature, which prioritized visual immersion over dense text. Lamorisse acted as both the filmmaker and the creative force behind the book's presentation, ensuring that the composition of each page mirrored the cinematic framing he employed on screen. While critics of the era focused heavily on the technical charm of his films, the book was received as a gentle, evocative artifact that allowed readers to linger on the beauty of the landscapes and the curious perspective of a balloon-bound traveler.