KUMO

What do you see in the clouds…a new friend, perhaps?

Kumo, a cloud who likes to hide high up in the sky, floats about where no one can see her. One day, she is given a big job—to care for those on land by keeping them cool and shaded and offering rain. Anxious and self-conscious about being seen, Kumo sets out, eyes shut…and gets tangled up in a tree. With the help of a friendly kite and the wind, Kumo tries again and discovers some interesting sights—tall city buildings, a warm lake, rolling fields, and more. At a lively street party, she finds a kindred spirit—a young boy gazing up at the clouds, standing a bit apart, and daydreaming. Using spare, evocative prose, Maclear depicts Kumo’s journey to become braver and make cloud friends, discovering her place in the sky and gaining confidence along the way. Dion’s illustrations offer a gentle, pastel-tinged land- and skyscape; Kumo’s soft form makes her approachable and relatable, especially for young readers who may themselves feel anxious about finding their place and making friends. They may even be inspired to gaze up into the sky in search of Kumo, perhaps before a repeat reading. Humans depicted are racially diverse; the boy presents as Asian. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A quiet, satisfying tale about being brave enough to take that first step.