Review by Hooria Bilal
Orca Book Publishers, 2023
267 pages, paperback, $14.95 CAN, 978-1459836037
Middle Grade, Ages 9-12
Fiction, Fantasy
“Did you know,” he said, “that a so-and-so is what you call someone you dislike? It’s usually preceded with an adjective-like nasty or mean.”
“You’re not mean,” said Ewan. He was fibbing, of course. Mr. So-and-So did come across as mean sometimes, but mostly he meant well.
[…]
“I do hope you like your name now, Mr. So-and-So,” he said. “Because I think you’re a really nice so-and-so.”
“Like I said,” said Mr. So-and-So, “I grew into it.”
“It’s just that … ” Ewan thought about their shared sorrow. “I just hope that you’re happy.”
“I am,” said Mr. So-and-So. “Reasonably so anyway.”
“I want you to be more than just reasonably happy,” said Ewan. “I want you to be … ” He searched for the right word. “Ridiculously happy.”
In The Boy, the Cloud, and the Very Tall Tale by Heather Smith, eleven-year-old Ewan finds himself caught up in a magical whirlwind adventure to uncover the mystery behind his father’s disappearance.
Two years after losing his mother, Ewan’s father was swept away by a cloud. At least, that’s the tale his Grumple tells him and his seven-year-old sister, Flora. Yet, Ewan is convinced there’s more to the story, and his father wouldn’t willingly abandon them. Ever since the loss of his mother and the departure of his father, Ewan has built a protective wall around his heart. He’s a timid, cautious boy, his wariness of danger stemming from a deep concern for the safety of his sister and Grumple—but mostly for himself.
Enter Mr. So-and-So, the eccentric owner of the Notion Shop, with unpredictable magical powers. After meeting Mr. So-and-So, Ewan is inspired to take destiny into his own hands and embarks on an adventure across the coast to find his father. Accompanied by Flora and Mr. So-and-So, the trio navigates a world brimming with whimsy and magic as Ewan grapples with his own grief and sorrow.
The Boy, the Cloud, and the Very Tall Tale is a story that transports readers to a charming magical setting filled with adventure and quirky characters I couldn’t help but adore. Themes of growing into oneself and learning to be vulnerable are wonderfully interwoven into Ewan’s character. The rest of the poignant narrative explores themes of self-worth, grief, and a heartfelt exploration of loss. This book will enchant readers with its cozy fantasy atmosphere created by magical elements and captivating dialogue. Heather Smith’s writing style adopts a playful, alliterative flair, reminiscent of folk tale stories. This stylistic choice aligns seamlessly with the setting of Bucket Cove, a village steeped in legends of fairies, witches, and sea creatures.
The character dynamics contribute significantly to the heartwarming nature of the story. Ewan, reserved and no-nonsense, stands in contrast to the more spirited and open personalities of his sister, Flora, and the quirky Mr. So-and-So. The contrast between their personalities contributes to the story’s entertainment value, offering moments of humor and warmth. Ewan’s relationship with Mr. So-and-So evolves from initial annoyance to a heartwarming connection. The surprising revelation of Mr. So-and-So’s own struggles with past grief and self-worth adds complexity to his character, showcasing a nuanced portrayal of an adult dealing with similar issues. The parallel development of these two characters, one young and one adult, underscores the universal theme of growth, self-discovery, and the importance of learning to be vulnerable.
In essence, The Boy, the Cloud, and the Very Tall Tale provides a whimsical, magical experience that delves into the intricacies of human emotions, subtly portraying the universal struggles of self-worth and grief. The story’s enchanting dialogue, writing style, and well-crafted character dynamics contribute to its overall charm, making it a delightful and heartwarming read for those seeking a unique fantasy adventure.
Hooria Bilal is an undergraduate at UBC majoring in Biology and minoring in Creative Writing. She enjoys reading middle grade and YA books in her spare time and her favourite genre is fantasy-adventure.
YOUNG ADULTING 