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Saturday, August 20, 2022

In The Clouds, written and illustrated by Elly MacKay. Tundra, Penguin Random House. 2022. #24.99 ages 4 and up


"Why are clouds so far away?

How do they float?

And where do they go when 
they disappear?
"

A cloudy day has a small girl wishing for something to do. When a small bird lands on the windowsill, she is keen to begin a conversation in hopes that the bird can answer some of her most pressing questions about clouds. In her imagination, they make friends and take a journey to the clouds. Now tiny, she rides on the bird's back, all the while asking the many questions she would like answered. 

The bird flies skyward with a tiny girl on its back. Together, they climb towards the clouds. As they go, she takes note of her surroundings in the sky and below them. Her queries are endless, and vary greatly. 

"And how do clouds carry the rain? 

Do you think islands float on water
like clouds float in the sky?"

While the bird does not answer her questions, she seems unconcerned and continues asking. By doing so, she encourages readers to look at the world from a different perspective as well. What questions might they have about the world they live in, and the sights they see? Upon their return to the window where their eventful journey began, she is looking at those clouds that so disturbed her earlier in a new light. 

"Aren't clouds WONDROUS?"

A warm ending is followed by answers to some of the questions asked, and a lovely illustration that classifies the types of clouds we see. 

Elly MacKay's light-filled spreads are inspiring and remarkable. The familiar, detailed dioramas are as wonderful as the clouds and scenes she so aptly portrays.                                                                              

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