Monday, April 6, 2015

Book Review: Once Upon A Cloud

Once Upon A Cloud, the debut picture book from Claire Keane (Glen Keane's daughter)

"Celeste wanted the perfect gift for her mom." Thus begins ONCE UPON A CLOUD.  We join young Celeste as she ponders this dilema throughout her day and as she has a fanciful dream that leads her to the perfect gift for her mother.

Claire Keane, Once Upon a Cloud, title page

ONCE UPON A CLOUD is the picture book debut from Claire Keane.  Disney fans will likely perk up at the mention of the Keane name.  Claire's father is Disney animator, Glen Keane, whose list of credits is long but highlights include The Little Mermaid and Tangled.  Her grandfather is Bil Keane, the cartoonist behind "The Family Circus."  This is obviously a family with tons of artistic talent.  Claire works as a visual development artist at Walt Disney Animation Studios and used her skills on Tangled and Frozen.

Claire Keane, Once Upon a Cloud, author photo

The art in this book is truly beautiful.  According to the notes in the front of the book, the drawings were created in dry pastel.  This allows for both gorgeous colors but also a very dreamy, airy look during Celeste's dream (I know I used dreamy and dream but pick up a copy of this book and I'm sure you'll use the same adjective.)  The wind blows her out of her room and begins the adventure.  I love this image.  The colors and swirls of the wind are so light but Celeste's pigtails and smile let us know she's really flying fast and having a blast.

Claire Keane, Once Upon a Cloud, riding the wind

Here's another page I had to share.  So gorgeous.  The sun as a queen and Celeste gets to have tea with her.  

Claire Keane, Once Upon a Cloud, tea with the Sun Queen

I won't spoil the story for you but Celeste awakens and knows just what to give her mom.  She learned from those she met during her dream, the Stars, the Moon and the Sun.  As a mom, I find this book entirely charming.

My girls are 5 and 3 and love this book.  They enjoy watching Celeste's adventure since she is just about their age.  My three-year-old's favorite part is Celeste's time with the Stars.  

This book would be a great gift for little girls and the moms who love them.  It's one I really enjoy reading because I'm just so taken with the artwork.  The illustrations will capture your imagination and you'll enjoy this journey with Celeste.

~Amy



I received a free copy of the book to complete my review.  These are my honest thoughts and no other compensation was offered or received.  The post does contain a link to Amazon.  If you purchase through our link, it helps offset our operating costs at Growing Up Disney. 

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