Lizzy and the Cloud; The Fan Brothers

Dreamy, gentle and ‘cirrus-ly’ good.

Most people thought that clouds were a bit old fashioned, but not Lizzy. There was nothing special about the one that she chose from the Cloud Seller at the park, in fact if anything, it was very, very ordinary. Looking after a cloud isn’t easy and Lizzy took her job very seriously. She watered it, she walked it and watched it grow bigger, and bigger, and bigger. Until one day it grew so big there was no room left. What’s a little girl to do when her cloud is ready to float freely in the endless sky…

The Fan Brothers create breathtaking picture books and Lizzy and the Cloud is another sublime piece of storytelling. Picture and word-perfect, this captivating story of taking care of something important, nurturing it and allowing it to leave when the time comes is an absolute treat.

Letting go of something loved and cared about can be difficult and these complicated themes are gently explored as fantasy is mixed with reality. Memories are made as Lizzy and Milo the cloud spend time together; family walks, day trips to the beach, watering the plants. Of course there is the odd thunderstorm along the way - yes, clouds get moody and have temper tantrums. Ultimately there is the satisfaction of doing the right thing even though it is hard and cherishing the times that were spent together.

Readers familiar with books by the Brothers Fan will know that the artwork is special; the scenes demand close attention, inviting you to get lost in them, and these pages are no exception. Muted colours allow the little dashes of colour to pop from the page; curly-haired, rosy-cheeked Lizzy is an absolute gem in her yellow boots. 

Whimsical, incredibly sweet and filled with delights, including the most wonderful set of instructions for ‘Caring for a Cloud’, endpapers dotted with picture frames of family memories and a spectacular full-colour park scene complete with carousel, juggler and puppet show,  this is one not to be missed. Take off the dust-jacket too as another surprise awaits.

FAN-tastic!

Recommended for 4+.

With huge thanks to Allen & Unwin and Frances Lincoln Children’s Books for the copy I received in exchange for an honest review.