The Cloud Kingdom
by Máire Zepf (Goodreads Author)

5 out of 5 stars

This circular collection of fairy stories is set in the framework of a girl who makes a deal with the fairies after they kidnap her cat. If they return her cat, she agrees to read them a story every week. Each story leads into the next, as the characters in the current story begin to tell another story which leads us into the next chapter, similar to the story structure of The Thousand and One Nights.

I loved this whimsical group of stories! It’s so clever to see how each story leads into the next, and they are all very different and imaginative. We meet a benevolent giant who weaves good dreams for people when they sleep. A mysterious wizard sells hats with charms on them. A ghost dragon wishes he could befriend people, but they always run away from him. A furry creature harvests idea flowers and gives them to creative people, but they don’t always appreciate the gift. An inventor creates a mechanical jellyfish and sets it free in the ocean. And the titular story features a famous Cloud-Maker who is fired from his job making clouds.

The story is has a simple poetic style that is a delight to read aloud. The words are so vibrant that they drip off your tongue like honey! The writing is utterly brilliant in every way! Each story has a very simple plot and not much development, but that is part of its charm. They are little snapshots that flow together like a dream that is always shifting perspective.

I loved the beautiful illustrations! Every page is glowing with warmth and color. The artwork is enchanting!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review.

This book has been marked as having no sensitive content on the Screen It First website. https://screenitfirst.com/book/2593576