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Reviewed by Chad Richins for Readers' Favorite
After-All's Runaway Cloud by Francis Edwards tells the story of After-All, a young boy seeking solace after being bullied at school. His journey begins with a wish granted by Cupid that sends him on a fantastical adventure to visit Indigenous cultures worldwide. Guided by a magical Tall Ship Cloud and various animal companions, After-All learns resilience, generosity, and courage through encounters with diverse communities. From the Haka dance of the Maori to ice fishing with the Inuit, each experience provides After-All with survival skills and life lessons. The story’s blend of fantasy, cultural education, and adventure is designed to teach young readers about overcoming challenges and embracing diversity. Illustrations are by Mark Scheider and Saulo Nulo.
After-All's Runaway Cloud excels in using an imaginative setting to engage children while teaching valuable lessons. I loved the creativity of the Tall Ship Cloud, Cupid, and the animal guides, all of which make the story whimsical and relatable to younger audiences. Francis Edwards does a wonderful job of weaving cultural insights into After-All’s adventures, introducing readers to themes of determination, resilience, and the importance of facing fears. The simplicity of the language and the inclusion of illustrations make it accessible to its target audience, and the story offers a sense of global interconnectedness through its exploration of Indigenous traditions. Out of all the eight lessons learned by After-All, the one from the Maori people stood out to me. From the Maori Nation's Haka dance, After-All learns that determination can help overcome challenges. The Haka, a powerful display of energy and strength, is used to build courage in the face of adversity. The episodic structure allows readers to enjoy each segment as a unique lesson while building a bigger picture of After-All’s growth.
