Lina and her brother climbed into the big striped balloon. It wobbled, then WHOOSH — up into the clouds!
They landed in France. A baker slid a warm croissant across the counter. Lina bit — crumbs flew everywhere!
Golden flakes floated down onto her brother's head. She giggled and wiped the crumbs away. Merci!
In Egypt, a camel driver handed them flatbread. Lina tried to fold it — it tore in half! He tapped his nose and laughed.
A camel blinked slowly at them from the desert. Lina smiled and held up the other piece of bread.
In Japan, a girl offered Lina chopsticks and sushi. But Lina picked up the fish with her fingers! The frog on the windowsill clapped.
Ribbit! The little frog jumped onto the table and sat between the two plates.
Brazil! The balloon sputtered and dropped fast. Lina grabbed her brother's hand and squeezed tight.
The basket bumped down softly in a field of red flowers. Lina let out a long breath and smiled at her brother.
They climbed out and waved to a monkey swinging above them. We made it! her brother said.
They walked toward the balloon, hand in hand. It glowed warm in the darkening sky.
They slept curled up in the basket. A piece of croissant crust rested beside them, a flatbread crumb, and a shiny blue feather.
Somewhere over Italy, they flew past snow-capped mountains and a village with red-tiled roofs.
In Australia, they watched a kangaroo hop across golden grass under a wide orange sky.
In Africa, they saw elephants walking slowly across the savanna. Lina waved at the biggest one.
The balloon rose slowly into the dark sky. Lina held her brother's hand as the stars came out one by one.