This book is as sweet and fluffy as its main character, Cloud Puppy, not to mention her friends.
We first meet Cloud Puppy watching her favorite show, “Pretty Princess Warrior Dragonetta”. She’s a puff of white clouds with fluffy ears, tail, poodle-like fluffs around her arms and legs, and purple-blushed cheeks. She can float, make rainbows, and get stormy when she’s upset – but right now she’s super happy! Not only is there a new comic out from her favorite series, but she finds out at the comic store there’s going to be a convention and Kit Starlight, the author of her favorite series, will be there!
The main story, “Cloud Puppy’s First Comic Convention” features Cloud Puppy and her best friend, Berry Rose, a cuddly teddy in shades of peach with a unicorn horn and tail in darker orange, getting ready and attending the convention. They have a spat when they both want to dress up at the same character and it’s not until they arrive at the convention that Cloud Puppy starts to work out her feelings and communicate better with her friend. Their other friends are Mossquatch, a gray boulder-creature coated with green moss, and Jack, a fluffy brown jackalope, who attend with Jack’s big brother James. A short story follows, featuring Mossquatch, who is discouraged because no one recognizes their costume, However, with good friends to back them up, they end up enjoying the convention – and the costume contest – anyways.
The final sections are a loosely connected story, featuring Cloud Puppy drawing her own comic, then getting frustrated and upset by trying to meet the expectations and demands of all her friends who want to join in the fun. Finally, she figures out a way to be true to her own vision as well as include her friends and the book ends with their homemade comic and a tutorial for readers interested in making their own comics.
There are lots of sparkling tones and rounded or fluffy edges throughout the story. Mossquatch “boulders up” when they are upset, turning into a giant green boulder, while Cloud Puppy remains cute and fluffy even when she’s gray and stormy and showing her little fangs. The costumes are colorful with masks, fluffy skirts, crowns, and wings and most of the costumes at the show are similar, relying mainly on flowing robes and the occasional robot with only a few weapons present. Cloud Puppy is very emotional, getting quickly excited, upset, hurt, and then bouncing up again and enjoy her friends’ company and meeting her idols. The final story involves different styles as each of her friends includes their own artwork and both their comic and Cloud Puppy’s solo effort have muted colors and simple lines, giving it a realistically child-drawn appearance.
This new comic is as sweet and airy as cotton candy, but much more satisfying. It portrays a friendly fandom, with the young creatures admiring the skill of others and being inspired to try their own projects, as well as supportive friends who, even when they fall out, eventually patch things up and learn to communicate better.
It will appeal most to younger elementary kids, especially those who are interested in an upbeat fandom like Disney, My Little Pony, or Bluey. It would also be a great way for adults to introduce younger kids to the concept of fandoms and conventions.
Cloud Puppy
By Kelly Leigh Miller
Simon & Schuster Atheneum, 2024
ISBN: 9781665932127
NFNT Age Recommendation: Easy Readers (5-9)
