Looking To The Clouds For Daddy [Hardcover]

Margo Candelario (Author), Illustrated by Jerry Craft (Author), Jerry Craft (Illustrator)

Book Description

This story is inspired by the real-life loss of the author's husband. She deals with her grief through the eyes of their three daughters, who share their memories of their daddy. The girls, who were cloud watching in their backyard, making out various images and shapes, soon discover that their daddy is always with them. They can even see him in the clouds!

Editorial Reviews

Review

For several years I've taught workshops based on writing for children and teenagers. As part of the course I usually try to include at least one session on the difficult topic of explaining death and grief to young children. It isn t easy. While I've managed to find classic titles from various sources, including The Tenth Good Thing about Barney by Judith Viorst (the death of a pet cat) and Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt, there is always something that isn t quite right about them for very young children. And as well-written as these books are, some people aren t happy with the way topics such as spirituality and an afterlife are covered. Looking to the Clouds for Daddy by Margo Candelario breaks the mold. Not only is it one of the best books on the loss of a parent I've come across in a long time, its treatment of the subject is heartfelt and deeply personal without being sentimental or preachy. Based on the real experience of the author and her three young daughters, the book is one that can be read by children of any age. The text is both poetic and conversational; the artwork is first-rate and solid. Like all top picture book artists, Jerry Craft has managed to create illustrations that go beyond simply filling out the text. The innovative artwork flows across the pages and works to create what could almost be described as mini-chapters. Best of all, the compelling mixture of words and pictures drew me in as a reader. I could easily imagine a small child wanting to sit with this book, reading and re-reading it over and over again. The girls in the story are so appealing, their obvious love for each other is so apparent, and the memories they hold in common are so endearing that readers will want to hold on to this story for a very long time. Which brings me to the obvious question: Who is the book for? Well, in my opinion, just about everybody. Yes, the book is especially appropriate and necessary for children who have lost a beloved family member, but it is in some ways equally important for children who have not. It may sound a little odd to say that I enjoyed the story given the subject matter, but I truly did. Death is an inevitable and natural part of life; we cannot avoid it, and remembering our loved ones with joy is a very special gift. Today's world and media exposes children to all kinds of portrayals of violence and senseless death without any genuine follow-up as to how we can feel or express compassion for those who are suffering. Looking to the Clouds for Daddy is a perfect beginning for children to take their first steps toward looking beyond themselves. By reading about Cheyenne, Trae, and Camaryn, children can begin to understand that sad things in life do happen, but that healing will surely come if we face and discuss loss together. This is an excellent book. Highly recommended. --Valerie Storey, The Essential Guide for New Writers From Idea to Finished Manuscript

About the Author

Artist and author, Margo Candelario was born in San Bernardino, California and moved to Harlem at the age of 17. She married Phil and they moved their growing family to Georgia. Phil suffered a massive heart attack at the age of 34, leaving Margo with their three little girls.

Looking to the Clouds for Daddy is her second collaboration with illustrator/friend Jerry Craft. Her first book, Take Me To The Water led to an Author of the Year nomination by the Georgia Writers Association.

Jerry Craft, former editorial director of Sports Illustrated for Kids, is the creator of popular comic strip, Mama's Boyz (mamaboyz.com).

Product Details

• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Karen Hunter Media; First edition (February 17, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0982022174
• ISBN-13: 978-0982022177
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 8.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,538,649 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect Pitch, March 20, 2009

By 

Salidji Shepsit (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Looking To The Clouds For Daddy (Hardcover)

Just got "Looking in the Clouds" as a gift for my young cousins who've lost their dad -- it's wonderful!
I love the illustration technique here--the softening of the cartoons is great looking
and just surreal enough in the way losing someone we love is...or how looking at cloud formations on a bright clear day can be. The book has the perfect pitch, capturing the wistful longing, sadness hope and courage
children are capable of. This will be a comfort to any child who has lost a parent (and without being sappy.)

5.0 out of 5 stars Looking to the Clouds for Daddy, June 4, 2009

By 

Michelle Henley "Literary Diva" (Brooklyn, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Looking To The Clouds For Daddy (Hardcover)

"Looking to the Clouds for Daddy" is a wonderfully illustrated book which provides insight into an experience shared by many. It provides a personal touch while providing a fictional story aspect. Seen through the eyes of three young sisters, it brings to light how we all sometimes "look" for that special someone that we have lost - by looking to the clouds. Ms. Candelario and her daughters provided children as well as adults the realization that although you have lost the person you love in body, their memory can be recaptured in the simplistic formation of clouds. Mr. Craft has truly captured the essence of the storyline providing vibrant, happy colors. The pictures truly embrace you as you turn each page. The imagery of "blurring" the actual picture also captures how the memory of that person does sometime fade - just a little..... but never enough to forget how they truly were in life. I highly recommend this book to both young and old. It has been 30 years since the passing of my mother and this book has allowed me to recapture special memories about my mom by taking the time to look up into the sky and find her in the clouds.

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing Book!, March 28, 2009

By 

Reader Squared (Bronx, New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Looking To The Clouds For Daddy (Hardcover)

This book takes a sad subject and handles it with grace, light and hope. If anyone has lost someone, they should get this book. It will warm your heart and remind you that the person you loved is never really gone.