Floating by the Clouds

Floating by the Clouds by Mohammad Awad is a lyrical debut picture book that explores the highs and lows of emotions, encouraging children to acknowledge and express their feelings. The central character comes to realise that it’s normal to sit with complex, storm-like emotions (clouds), it’s okay to cry instead of constantly chasing positivity (rainbows) and there is beauty in the world after the rain. Awad is a Queer, Arab, Muslim writer, director, poet, playwright and mental health advocate who brings a poetic sensibility to the text, evident in its rich, flowing language. Niña Nill’s beautiful, expressive illustrations are perfectly matched to the emotional shifts in the book. She illustrates in a soft, whimsical style that brings a sense of movement to the story, helping readers aged 5 and over to connect with the book’s themes. The story may offer meaningful support for children who experience anxiety or struggle to express emotions; however, it would be best shared with a teacher, counsellor or trusted adult who can guide discussion and unpack its more abstract ideas. Phrases such as “there is quiet before the storm and the choirs to follow soon after” may be difficult for young readers to interpret independently. This difficulty is reinforced by the repeated use of the cloud metaphor – “your cheeks filling up like the clouds” and “you must speak with your clouds” – which, while poetic, may be confusing for children who are still developing emotional literacy.

Books + Publishing

Highly recommended.Floating by the Clouds was commissioned by Penguin Random House Australia’s Diverse Voices program. This program aims to represent diverse and emerging voices and celebrate all that makes us human. This is spoken word poet and playwright Mohammed Awad’s debut children’s picture book. Using familiar weather metaphors, the author skilfully conveys the fluctuating emotions children encounter throughout the day. He offers young readers an engaging and relatable way to understand their own feelings and gain an insight in how these may pass. For many children days can be full of sunshine, but there are times when in their minds the clouds gather and the rain falls. These are the times when complex emotions are felt. When things seem to be out of kilter and where support with a trusted person can help get through the storm inside. But through those cloudy, rainy times there are lessons to be learnt and importantly a message that provides comfort. From the passing stormy moments rainbows appear and clouds float by as a new time begins. The striking full page illustrations by Niña Nill reflect the changing weather surrounding the children who are dealing with differing emotions. She uses a textured effect to create a softened palette and the gentleness of the story is beautifully reflected in her images. This is a deeply thoughtful picture book that will encourage discussion about complex emotions among children and adults.

Kathryn Beilby, Read Plus