Head in the Clouds written and illiustrated by Rocío Araya and translated by Sarah Moses, published by Elsewhere Editions*.
Children are known to be full of questions. Their minds are eager and desperate to understand the world around them. And for some unfortunate reason, some adults have outgrown the richness of curiosity. Head in the Clouds reminds readers that it does not have to be so.
This exquisitely written picture book by Rocío Araya is equally brought to life through the creator's artistic talent and sensibility. And through the skilled translation of Sarah Moses, English-language readers can enjoy this book that was originally published in Spanish.
In Head in the Clouds, an observant and inquisitive schoolgirl named Sofía tells the reader that her teacher looks through and over her glasses but "almost never looks out the window." Over the course of the student's questions, the reader and eventaully the teacher are drawn to look up, around, and outside.
The narrative is set in motion as soon as the tacher says to Sofío, "You must see so many birds with your head in the clouds." From there, each spread illustrates another of the child's questions and more birds in a vibrant and layered collage using colored pencil, oil pastel, and cutouts, which calls to mind art brut.
In the seemingly simple text and child-like artistic style, a poetry and profoundness evolve. By the last pages, the reader has witnessed a subtle openness in the teacher (and quite possibly in the reader) to accept the bird Sofío offers and this gesture's invitation to follow Sofío and her classmates outdoors.
I would also like to draw attention to the book design in the choice of paper texture and weight. The end pages offer a natural texture reminiscent of quality school parchment while the pages of text are glossy and smooth. The feel of the book as a whole, in text, image, and touch, reminds readers that picture books are in and of themselves works of art.
Imagine It!
Imagine finding answers to the questions floating through your mind...
On a large piece of paper, write, draw, or collage birds across the top or all around it, leaving space for the following step.
From light-colored paper, cut out as many clouds as you have birds and write a question on each one. The questions can be as simple or complex as you wish. Your curiosity is uniquely yours.
With a piece of tape along just the top of each cloud, stick one under each bird.
Then, go in search of answers by pondering what you already know to be true, by asking someone else, by searching through a book or a trusted online resource... or by using your own imagination!
Finally, flip up each cloud and write the answer, thought, or hypothesis to its question.
Imagine all you already know and what you will learn by spending time in the clouds.
*Appreciation is extended to the publisher for providing a review copy. All hard copies of books for review are donated to Bright Blessings.
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