30+ Hot Air Balloon Illustrations & Prints for Children's Books

Floating gracefully across the sky, hot air balloons have always held a touch of magic, especially in the eyes of the young. In children's books, they represent adventure, wonder, and endless possibilities.

As we embark on this visual journey, we'll explore a curated collection of hot air balloon illustrations, each rendered in unique styles and techniques.

Also Read: Check out our set of designs for hot air balloon coloring books.

Collage, Papercut, and Textured Hot Air Balloons

collage art hot air balloon kids in basket
Collage art depicting a hot air balloon made from a patchwork of vivid fabrics. Children of different genders and ethnicities are seen waving from the basket, their faces filled with joy and wonder. Stars twinkle in the twilight sky, and a crescent moon is visible.

collage hot air balloon colorful
Collage illustration of a vibrant hot air balloon floating amidst fluffy clouds in a sunny blue sky. The balloon has colorful patches, and birds are flying around it. The scene evokes a sense of adventure suitable for a children's book.

collage hot air balloon kids reading
Collage depiction of a sleepy town waking up to the sight of hot air balloons taking off. Children on the ground wave excitedly, while in one balloon, a child reads a storybook to animated woodland creatures, bringing a heartwarming touch for young readers.

hot air balloon collage animals
Collage illustration of a whimsical hot air balloon journey where diverse animals like lions, elephants, and giraffes peek out of the baskets. The sky is filled with candy-colored clouds and a rainbow arches in the distance, creating a fantastical setting fora children's story.

hot air balloon texture field
Papercut style illustration with intricate texture details showing diverse children in a hot air balloon woven from straw and bamboo. The surrounding sky has a watercolor texture with birds created from layered tissue paper. Below, the textured landscape boasts fields of felt and rivers of shimmering foil, drawing readers into a sensory-rich world.

hot air balloon textured sun
Collage illustration with rich textures depicting a hot air balloon made of patchwork materials like burlap, denim, and silk. The sky has a hand-painted feel, with thick brushstrokes forming clouds and a setting sun. Children aboard the balloon look down at a textured landscape of rolling hills and textured trees, making it ideal for a tactile children's book.

papercut hot air balloon kids fantasy
Papercut style scene of children of various ethnicities and genders aboard a giant hot air balloon shaped like a dragon. They soar over a mystical forest with creatures like unicorns and fairies, setting the stage for a magical children's tale.

papercut hot air balloon lit up
Papercut scene with pronounced textures of a night-time hot air balloon journey. The moon and stars have a crinkled foil texture, and the balloon itself is made of layered paper with visible grain. Children inside the basket hold lanterns that cast a soft, textured glow, making the scene come alive with depth and detail suitable for a children's tale.

papercut hot air balloon muted
Papercut style illustration of three diverse hot air balloons of varying sizes and designs. They float above a serene countryside with rolling hills, trees, and a winding river. The setting sun casts a golden hue over the landscape, creating a dreamy ambiance for children.

papercut hot air balloon night
Papercut illustration of a night-time hot air balloon adventure. Children with lanterns drift in a star-studded sky, joined by glowing fireflies. A dreamy castle on a hill and a shimmering river below set the scene for a bedtime story for kids.

papercut hot air balloons holding hands
Papercut illustration of a grand hot air balloon festival. Diverse hot air balloons of all shapes and designs fill the sky, casting playful shadows on the ground below. Excited children and families watch in awe from a grassy field, making it a delightful scene for young readers.

Pen & Ink Style Hot Air Balloons

pen and ink hot air balloon castle
Illustration in pen and ink depicting a grand hot air balloon with a castle design, drifting above a medieval town. Cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, and market stalls fill the scene below. Children in period costumes look up in awe, making it a whimsical historical backdrop for a children's tale.

pen and ink hot air balloon children dancing
Pen and ink style depiction of multiple hot air balloons of varying designs tethered to the ground in a festival setting. Children of different genders and ethnicities run and play around, with some holding onto ropes, preparing for the balloons to ascend. The scene is detailed with trees, tents, and excited onlookers, making it a lively illustration for young readers.

pen and ink hot air balloon fish
Pen and ink illustration of a uniquely designed hot air balloon shaped like a fish, floating above a bustling coastal town. Seagulls fly nearby, and ships with detailed sails can be seen in the harbor. Children on the docks point and wave, creating a lively maritime scene for a children's book.

pen and ink hot air balloon fruit
Pen and ink drawing of a series of mini hot air balloons shaped like fruits, such as apples, pears, and strawberries, floating over a vast orchard. Children run through the fields, trying to catch the falling fruit, creating a playful and vibrant scene perfect for a children's story.

pen and ink hot air balloon intricate
Pen and ink illustration of a detailed hot air balloon floating amidst swirling clouds in the sky. The intricate linework captures the balloon's design and the playful movement of the clouds. Birds with detailed feathers can be seen flying around, creating a dynamic scene suitable for a children's book.

pen and ink hot air balloon jungle
Detailed pen and ink drawing of a hot air balloon with intricate patterns, hovering over a dense jungle. The treetops are teeming with wildlife, including monkeys, birds, and snakes. A river winds its way through the landscape, reflecting the balloon's image, offering a tropical adventure setting for young readers.

pen and ink hot air balloon meadow
Illustration in pen and ink showing a single majestic hot air balloon touching down in a meadow. The balloon's basket has children peeking out, their faces filled with wonder. The surrounding landscape has detailed grass, flowers, and a few animals watching the descent, bringing a sense of adventure to a children's story.

pen and ink hot air balloon town
Pen and ink drawing of a serene evening scene with multiple hot air balloons drifting in a starry sky. The detailed linework captures the glow of lanterns inside the balloons and the shimmering stars. Below, a quiet town with detailed rooftops and chimneys adds depth and context, making it a fitting backdrop for a bedtime story.

Charcoal & Pastel Style Hot Air Balloons

charcoal colorful hot air balloon
Pastel drawing with vibrant colors depicting a hot air balloon festival at sunset. The sky is awash with shades of orange, pink, and purple, and the balloons reflect these colors in their designs. Children and families on the ground celebrate, with the rich pastel textures making the scene pop, perfect for a children's story.

charcoal hot air balloon kids sky
Pure charcoal sketch of multiple hot air balloons tethered to the ground. The detailed linework captures the textures of the balloons and the excitement of a gathering crowd.Children play and run around the field, with the grayscale tones evoking a timeless feel suitable for young readers.

pastel hot air balloon animals
Charcoal and pastel illustration of a hot air balloon race with quirky designs like teapots, cupcakes, and pirate ships. The sky is dotted with fluffy pastel clouds, and below, animals cheer and wave flags, making it a delightful and cheerful setting for a children's tale.

pastel hot air balloon in sky
Charcoal and pastel illustration of a hot air balloon with soft color gradients, floating amidst dreamy clouds in a pastel-hued sky. The gentle blending of charcoals gives depth to the scene, while children aboard the balloon wave to birds, creating a serene setting for a children's book.

pastel hot air balloon picnic
Pastel scene of a sunny day with multiple hot air balloons rising from a meadow filled with wildflowers.Each balloon has playful patterns like polka dots and stripes. Children have picnics on the ground, play with kites, and watch the balloons with excitement, creating a heartwarming and lighthearted backdrop for a children's story.

Dark & Spooky Hot Air Balloons

spooky hot air balloon dancing
Illustration of multiple hot air balloons with designs of classic monsters like Frankenstein, Dracula, and the Mummy. They float above a foggy forest, but the scene is lightened by children having a dance party in a clearing, dressed in fun monster costumes, adding a touch of whimsy for young readers.

spooky hot air balloon festival
Drawing of a hot air balloon festival on a misty evening. The balloons have spooky designs like cauldrons, crystal balls, and spell books. However, the ground is bustling with children enjoying candy apples, pumpkin carving, and other festive activities, making it a delightful mix of spooky and fun for a children's story.

spooky hot air balloon grey
Drawing of a hot air balloon festival set in a graveyard. The balloons have designs of skeletons, tombstones, and owls. However, the scene is lightened by children playing hide and seek behind the gravestones, making it a spooky yet delightful setting for a children's story.

spooky hot air balloon halloween night
Illustration of a hot air balloon with a design reminiscent of a Jack-o'-lantern, glowing eerily in a twilight sky. Silhouettes of bats fly around, and below, children dressed in costumes look up in wonder. The scene, while spooky, is playful and child-friendly.

spooky hot air balloon halloween
Drawing of multiple hot air balloons floating in a foggy night sky, each with different spooky designs like ghosts, black cats, and witches' hats. On the ground, children hold lanterns, casting a soft glow, and a haunted mansion stands in the distance. The overall atmosphere is mysterious yet suitable for children.

spooky hot air balloon witch
Illustration of a hot air balloon shaped like a giant spider, hovering above a moonlit forest. Cobwebs dangle from the basket, and below, children dressed as little wizards and witches gather around a cauldron, casting playful spells. The scene is spooky but has a whimsical touch for young readers.

Fairy Tale Inspired Hot Air Balloons

hot air balloon frog prince
Drawing of a hot air balloon journey inspired by 'The Frog Prince'. The balloon is shaped like a giant golden crown, and lily pads float in the sky. Below is a magical pond where children play with friendly frog characters, creating a whimsical scene that merges the fairy tale with the wonder of hot air ballooning.

hot air balloon jack and the giant
Drawing of multiple hot air balloons taking inspiration from 'Jack and the Beanstalk'. One balloon looks like a giant beanstalk reaching into the clouds, another resembles the golden goose, and yet another takes the shape of the magical harp. Below, children play with golden eggs and beans, making the scene both fantastical and child-friendly.

hot air balloon red riding hood
Illustration of a hot air balloon inspired by 'Little Red Riding Hood'. The balloon has patterns of red cloaks and is accompanied by flying wolves with friendly faces. The forest below has a path where children dressed like the protagonist and other characters frolic, creating a whimsical setting for a children's book.

hot air balloon three bears
Illustration of a hot air balloon taking cues from 'Goldilocks and the Three Bears'. The balloon has patterns of porridge bowls, chairs, and beds. Flying around are bears with butterfly wings, and on the ground, children interact with bear characters, creating a whimsical fusion of the fairy tale and hot air balloons for kids.