Special Kev is a star.

"Dad wanted to call me Trevor, Special Kev is better" and so starts another picture book about a child finding his space in a way that is right for him, but that sets him apart from others in his world. He has the same red, curly haired freckle thing happening that I relate to so well. Not to mention his cat Gary Junior.

Special Kev by Chris McKimmie
Illustrated by the author
Allen &Unwin, Crows Nest 2008.

If you like this picture book see Marshall Armstrong is new to our school and Cloud Boy. (See separate blog posts).

An invitation to look at the clouds.

For children their imagination is limitless while it is nurtured and encouraged by significant adults in their lives. Picture books read to them during quiet moments during the day, stories told to them as they are snuggled in bed, thoughts they have as they look at their world. All of these things, help them to learn and engage as citizens of the world. With the right encouragement this skill will carry through to adulthood with them.

There are few better feelings than lying on grass and looking up at the sky. With clouds scudding overhead, the imagination can roam free. It must surely have been one of these idyllic moments that inspired Rhode Montijo in his quest to capture the world of Cloud Boy.

A simple little story about belonging and sharing, it invites you to look up at the clouds and imagine what they could be. If you stand really still, and hold your breath, you might just catch a glimpse of Cloud Boy.

Cloud Boy by Rhode Montijo.
Illustrated by the author.
Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers New York, 2006

If you like this picture book about a boy with a big imagination see also Sunday Chutney.