Cloud Country

Pixar Animation Studios Artist Showcase

Concept and pictures by: Noah Klocek

Words by: Bonny Becker

Published by: Disney Hyperion

Do you sky gaze often? My kids love it, and they always get excited when I join in. But did you ever think someone might be Earth-gazing? In this sweet, touching book by Noah Klocek and Bonny Becker we meet a young cloudlet named Gale. Today is Formation School Graduation Day, and Gale has one final test before she officially graduates.

There’s just one problem – Gale can’t make cloud formations like all the other cloudlets. Try as she might, all her clouds take on shapes from the Land Below: a dog, an elephant, a tugboat. It’s what she loves most, and what is currently causing her the most distress. Even though she has the support and encouragement from her mother and younger sibling, she’s certain she’ll fail.

Gale is upset and embarrassed because she can’t meet the standards she thinks she needs to meet. She doesn’t realize by being herself she’s turned into a very important, very much anticipated cloudlet: one who creates Daydream clouds. Just as important as the clouds who bring rain or a much needed breeze, Gale will make daydream clouds, and I thin we can all agree those are the most fun.

I was drawn to this book because of the illustrations, but the message was just as lovely. I hope whoever you are, wherever you are, you’re honing skills specific to your passions and no one else. Happy daydreaming!