Cloudmaker by Helen Milroy

Talented First Nations author/illustrator Helen Milroy has created a stunning smaller-sized picture book that shares the story of Cloudmaker, an ancestral being who sees how things are changing and has become disillusioned with his existence. He has created over a passage of time, clouds of all shapes and sizes but the world he exists in has enough clouds now for all eternity.

 Cloudmaker now finds his life is lacking purpose and one of his favourite cloud creations, Cirra, feels concern for Cloudmaker’s sadness. Cirra tells stories of the antics of some young clouds and spends time with Cloudmaker trying to cheer him up. When a new planet called Earth forms, Cloudmaker is excited and has a new task to create more clouds for the for the growing planet. He watches and learns about Earth and its growth from the creatures who live there. Cloudmaker begins to feel a sense of purpose and reflects on the legacy he will leave behind.

This is a stunning book both in the story it tells and the striking illustrations. With white text against a predominantly blue background until the creation of Earth where bold, vibrant colours are introduced, the thoughtful use of glossy paper adds to the overall appeal.

Many readers both young and old will have childhood memories of wondering about clouds or even lying down and finding shapes in the clouds. This imaginative story will complement those actions and feelings and add another layer to the mystery of clouds. A fabulous read.

Themes: First Nations, Creation, Connection, Nature, Clouds, Destiny, Imagination.

Kathryn Beilby