Cloud Boy

I just got to see an advance copy of an absolutely charming new children’s book. It is CLOUD BOY by Rhode Montijo. Both the luminous artwork and the deceptively simple concept of this book are appealing and part of that appeal lies in how well the art and concept work together. It is illustrated in flat sky blue and shades of glowing white, and features some beautifully rendered pencil illustrations of the titular character as he floats in his foamy world of clouds and watches the world below.

The theme of the book shows how we individuals can reach out to those around us through our powers of creativity. This may seem like a simple concept, and yet it gently touches on both the joy and the sadness of being an individual, of being human. It was a very powerful turning point in my own childhood when I realized that I could make connections to the people around me through my drawings. It is no exaggeration to say that, as a child, it helped me form a sense of my own self-worth and, as an adult, it has been a major driving force in my life ever since.

This book manages to convey the joy of that experience in a manner that should be very inspiring to children, or any grown-ups who haven’t forgotten that period in their own growth. So, if you know any child who’s creative expression you’d like to inspire then I would highly recommend this book to you. It is published by Simon & Schuster and will be in stores in April 2006, but is available for pre-order on both Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

10 thoughts on “Cloud Boy”

  1. I was lucky enough to see some of the original pencil drawings for Cloud Boy while Rhode was working on them and I have to say I was moved to the core.

    The illustrations and story for this book are a beautiful characterization of the pure creative spirit in all of us.

    I can’t wait to proudly share this book with my son, Luno.

    Thank you Rhode, you are an inspiration to us all.

    -GMoney

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  2. Being “Inner Circle” sure has it’s perks, huh guys!

    I’ve also seen the original penciled pages for Rhode’s Cloud Boy book and I’ve been excited ever since I heard that it was gonna be published. You’re right Jamie, this book is very charming, and the story is also warm and endearing. Every page has the imagination, curiosity, and wonderment of a childs heart. Also, the imagery and theme of Cloud Boy is so universal that it makes the story accessible to anyone who’s ever looked up at the clouds.

    Congratulations on your beautiful book Rhode!

    Thanks for posting this Jamie!

    ~Tony Preciado

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  3. So THAT’S the secret project Rhode’s been holed up away working on… Curse you, Montijo, and your hidden, latent, power!!

    Can’t wait to see it. I’m sure it will knock my socks off.

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  4. I can’t wait to buy a copy of Rhode’s new book. Thanks for the review, it just confirms what I already knew, whatever Rhode touches is golden. I am going to pre-order ‘Cloud Boy’ ASAP.
    Jamie do you know if I can pre-order this through Amazon.com?

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  5. What!? Rhode showed advance pages to you guys? And he swore he wasn’t showing it to anyone but his mom! :-) Well, I feel a little better having gotten a scoop on the Three Little Pigs paintings a few weeks ago. Just wait until you see those–they are truly amazing. Looking forward to Cloud Boy very much and telling everyone I know about it! xoxo jth

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  6. i was fortunate enough to see an advance copy of ” Cloud Boy ” and can only say that Rhode Montijo is working some magic for sure. my quick review is: this children’s book is visually (deceptively) simple yet bold and has a positive story that hits straight to the heart. as for the quality of the art, i can’t tell you how many times i’ve dug through bins of children’s books looking for something that stood out but come up empty. if more books were of the caliber of ” Cloud
    Boy ” it woud be a very good thing, recommended!

    Reply

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