Head in the Clouds

Araya, making her English-language debut in this work reminiscent of Jostein Gaarder's Questions Asked, imagines a dreamy student and an on-task teacher clashing in the classroom. When the student remarks that they'd rather ask questions than sit through lessons, the teacher responds, "Oh, Sofía! You must see so many birds with your head in the clouds! And what might those questions be?" The queries flow forth, ranging from the simple ("Why are grown-ups always in a rush?") to the philosophical ("Can I be good and happy at the same time?") to the quirkily curious ("Does a cow's baby know I drink its mom's milk?"). Fine art spreads combine sly, childlike line drawing, collage, and fiercely stroked paint that suggests the greens of institutional corridors and the free, endless blue of the sky. When the teacher asserts an alternate position ("I'm not like you. When there are many paths, I always pick the same one") and describes an obliviousness to life's beauty ("when I take a plane I don't look out the window"), Sofía offers a special gift that hints at the child's strengths as well as the limitations of the authority figure's worldview. Protagonists are portrayed with pale skin. Ages 3-6. (Sept.)

Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 2-5--Sofia is an inquisitive young girl whose teacher says has her head in the clouds. The very serious teacher is weary of Sofia's constant questions including, "Can you measure a cloud?" Sofia has imaginary birds that color her world, and she offers one of these birds to her teacher, hoping it might encourage her to take things less seriously. The text of the story is in handwritten style, with some cursive and some print, which may be difficult for young children to read independently. The artwork contains collages of graph paper, worksheets, newsprint, graphite, and paint. While some of the artwork is creative and pleasant, such as the teacher's world exploding into color, much of the artwork may be odd to a U.S. audience, with indecipherable writing and very abstract pictures. Perhaps some of the unclear illustrations weren't translated fully. While the author/illustrator may be hoping to reach children who see the world differently, many young readers may be left confused. Adults wishing to reach children with the story may approach it one-on-one to open fruitful conversations. VERDICT Children who often have their heads in the clouds may enjoy poring over the illustrative collages and the sparse text, but many may not fully follow.--Michele Shaw

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

A graceful look at the power of harnessing the limitless possibilities of life.