High in the Clouds
by Paul McCartney, Geoff Dunbar, Philip Ardagh
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Book Summary Information
Author: Geoff Dunbar, Paul McCartney, Philip ArdaghEdition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Published)
Format: Bargain Price
Published: 2005-10-04
ISBN: N/A
Number of pages: 96
Reading Level: Ages 4-8
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile
Book Reviews of High in the Clouds
Book Review: Some Good Moments...Unfinished tale?
Summary: 4 Stars
High in the Clouds was not what I expected when I purchased the book, and I think the title isn't exactly the best description of the curious, broadly drawn story beneath the covers. Sure, the frog and friends often travel by cool balloon, but that act is a means to an end rather than the genuine "message" of the story, which seems to be the virtue of peace, harmony, and teamwork--or at least in my opinion. After all, the closing anthem in the tale is "We All Stand Together."
This book actually caused me some mixed feelings. There were parts that I really, really liked and enjoyed, and there were parts that I questioned and / or felt confused by--missing details or enhancements that would have fleshed out the tale and characters more to my liking. So, I couldn't give the story a thumbs-up five star review, but I couldn't give it a luke-warm three star review either!
Parts I Liked:
The dedication pages contains a beautiful, peaceful forest illustration with butterflies. I enjoyed the image and textual description of Wirral the squirrel eating his acorn snacks at the beginning of the tale. I agree that acorns must be "...the crunchiest of crunchy snacks...!" LOL I loved this passage: "Dotted among the branches of the trees, like notes on sheet music, sit the Woodland creatures, all captivated by Sugartail's words. All, that is, except for Snooze the owl, who's doing what he does best in the daytime: snoring gently. It's nothing personal. He's a night bird" (Page 8). [I reckon I must be a lot like Snooze myself! :D ] I enjoyed the idea of a mythical, far-away land where all the animals lived in peace. [It's very human to think about and tell stories of such amazing places where life is good and happiness reigns--sanctuary.]
I liked and wanted to know more about the character of Ratzy, though he was sneaky. I loved the signs at the Chow Down restaurant: "No Low Flying" and "Please do not stampede!" Froggo's firecracker envelop was a creative touch--an ingenious way to summon the airborn amphibian, who seems to have something of a "Tom Baker" Doctor Who quality about him. The peaceful culture of Animalia was captivating, and the charismatic character of Chief Bison is rather intriguing. [Seems like the Animalia population loves to party! hahahaha] The message of the people of Animalia standing together in times of war as in peace time was quite striking, and perhaps, the message instills in readers the value that Freedom is precious--worth celebrating and worth protecting. [American readers will no doubt seize upon this symbolism.]
I enjoyed how the brave whales joined the island defenses like some type of animal navy. [The beach and sea illustrations are excellent.]
Parts I didn't Like and / or Was Confused By... [Missing story information?]
Seems like the peaceful "in media res" opening scene of the book is shattered far too quickly for readers, especially for those who want to know the main characters a bit more before tragedy struck. Why are the construction vehicles there...what is their purpose...what specifically are they making way for?
How does Sugartail know the reality of Animalia? Is she from there? Who is she, and why has she become the Woodland storyteller? Where is Wirral's father? What happened to him? How come he had a raft?
Why does the frog have a wooden leg? What is his occupation? Why does he travel by balloon? How did he befriend so many animals? Why did the badgers steal the knapsack and what became of it and them? How did the fat rat know to spy on the party at the Chow Down? Does he usually do this? Is the Chow Down an animal speak easy? [Never explained to satisfaction in book] How does Froggo know how to find Wilhamina? How is it that the flea knows something of computers? For that matter, how did Gretsch come to power, and how does she wield that power effectively?
Seems like Wackford and Gretsch receive light punishments for characters who were supposedly so evil--enslaving animals, killing Woodland animals, destroying lives, etc. Can true forgiveness happen that quickly--suddenly with all is right with the word?? Can Animalia paradise really support all the refugees? Is it logical that you would let your arch villain baby-sit your children?
OK I know it is supposed to be a children's book, and that we must be willing to suspend a certain amount of disbelief. However, too much missing information / too many points to question can create dissatisfaction in some readers, especially young ones who want answers. In this book, many characters seem underdeveloped and superficial. A lot is happening and the reader feels pulled in many directions. Much of the plot elements seem very convenient, timely and / or happen too quickly to maintain continued believability in the story.
Even with all the missing pieces and questions, the tale is interesting, and there are some true saving graces in the text as well as in the imagery / illustration. Not one of my favorite stories, it, nevertheless does contain some appealing elements that make the experience worthwhile, worth reading. The best way to enjoy this book is to lay aside all deep analysis and points of criticism and simply accept the story as and how it unfolds--an outrageous, magical adventure where animals talk, work in factories, fly in balloons, join together for freedom, and yearn for a better life.
The book's language (and humor) seems to lend itself to "read aloud" situations, and for these audiences, maybe all the "missing info" isn't needed or wanted. :)
Summary of High in the Clouds
Forced to leave his woodland home, destroyed by the expansion plans of the evil Gretsch, Wirral the squirrel vows to find the fabled land of Animalia, where all the animals are said to live in freedom and without fear. Aided and abetted by Froggo the hot-air-ballooning frog, Wilhamina the plucky red squirrel, and Ratsy the streetwise rodent, Wirral's personal quest turns into a full-blown plan to save enslaved animals Everywhere -- a plan that is fraught with danger.Exciting, poignant, and funny, this lavishly illustrated epic tale will delight children of all ages.
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