The Boy, the Cloud, and the Very Tall Tale by Heather Smith

A 12-year-old works through grief in The Boy, the Cloud, and the Very Tall Tale.

The Boy, the Cloud, and the Very Tall Tale by Heather Smith. Orca Books, 2023, 267 pages.

Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12

Recommended for: ages 10-14

Ewan and Flora’s grandfather has a story about how their father disappeared: “Not a cloud in the sky and then poof! Suddenly there it was hovering outside the window like a giant bed of freshly shorn sheep’s wool.” A cloud, like the kind you could put your hand through, but nonetheless substantial enough for Father to climb aboard and float away. Ewan doubts the story, but he doubts everything since his mother died and Father disappeared. He’s closed up in himself with only room for his little sister and a bit for Grumple.

But life on Bucket Cove begins to change for him the day Grumple walks them down to the Notion Shop for buttons. Mr. So-and-So runs the shop where, in addition to selling goods, he hands out notions. These are slips of paper with wise, witty, or simply puzzling statements. Ewan receives one reading “Strength isn’t found—it’s awakened.” A few days later he wakes from a dream with the notion on his mind and makes an uncharacteristic decision: to go searching for his father and bring him home.

He intends to go alone, but within a day Flora catches up with him, along with Mr. So-and-So, whose 10% magic supplies an expandable boat. A classic quest emerges, with the reluctant hero, faithful companions, and loads of self-discovery along the way. Mr. So-and-So is only human in spite of the magic; he bears his own griefs, weaknesses and foibles (as well as deft wordplay, like “thick as flea poop”). Ewan is impatient with him, as he is with everything, but comes to accept and forgive as his own weaknesses come into focus.

Sometimes the action drags down with talk, but the talk is entertaining, and the quest ends happily. The “cloud” of grief has its limits, and sunshine awaits.

Consideration:

• One instance of misusing the Lord’s name early in the narrative.

Overall Rating: 4

• Worldview/moral value: 3.5
• Artistic/literary value: 4.5

Read more about our ratings here.

Also at Redeemed Reader:

• Reviews: A roundup of recommended picture books about death and grieving.
• Reflections: Emily has some fun with “Picture Books about Death (You’ll Never See)” and Janie ponders the subject through the lens of Bridge to Terebithia.

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