Grade K–2Conflicts

A Balloon for Isabel

A Funny Back to School Picture Book About a Plucky Porcupine

Written by Deborah Underwood

Illustrated by Laura Rankin

Every student gets a balloon on the last day of school — except Isabel the porcupine, whose quills always pop them. Determined to find a solution, Isabel uses creativity and persistence to prove that with the right idea, any problem can be solved.

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From the Library Director

A delightful, funny read-aloud that sneaks in powerful lessons about persistence, creative problem-solving, and advocating for yourself. Isabel is the kind of plucky protagonist kids root for from page one — and the ending never fails to get a cheer.

Big Idea

Every problem has a solution — and the courage to keep trying is what turns obstacles into opportunities.

Discussion Questions

1
Why couldn't Isabel get a balloon like the other students? Was that fair? Why or why not?
2
How did Isabel feel when she was left out? Have you ever felt left out of something? What happened?
3
What did Isabel do instead of giving up? What does that tell us about her character?
4
Can you think of another way Isabel could have solved her problem? What would you have tried?
5
Why is it important to speak up when something doesn't seem fair?
6
How did the teacher respond to Isabel's idea? What does a good teacher do when a student has a problem?
7
What does the word 'plucky' mean? How does Isabel show that quality throughout the story?
8
What is one problem in your school or classroom that you think needs a creative solution? What would you try?

Activity: My Problem-Solving Plan

Students identify a real or imaginary problem and work through a step-by-step plan to solve it — just like Isabel did.

1
Name the problem: Write or draw one problem you face at school or at home. Be specific — what exactly makes it hard?
2
Brainstorm three possible solutions. They don't have to be perfect — wild ideas count!
3
Pick your best idea and explain why you chose it. What makes it better than the others?
4
Draw or write what it would look like if your solution worked. Share it with a partner and ask: 'Would this work? What would you change?'

Standards Connections

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.3 — With prompting, identify characters, settings, and major events in a story.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.3 — Describe characters, settings, and major events using key details.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.K.6 — Speak audibly and express thoughts, feelings, and ideas clearly.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.1.1 — Write opinion pieces naming a topic and supplying a reason for the opinion.
Social-Emotional Learning — Practice persistence, self-advocacy, and creative problem-solving.
21st Century Skills — Apply critical thinking and innovation to identify and solve problems.