I read the English version, of À qui appartiennent les nuages? by Mario Brassard and Gérard DuBois under the name Who Owns the Clouds? Which seems to fit the story look more than the French name. I mean, I love the French title (even though I cannot read it). It looks sexy and has a bit of a tone to it that also fits, but the English translation allows the feeling I had for the book come out.
This is an experience book, I cannot tell you what it is about, other than a young girl wanders between reality and dream not knowing which is which at times. The story is her memory as a young woman, adult, and how she is (or is not) dealing with how she survived a war-torn world. The black and white art can be odd, and realistically surreal, but gorgeously done. It is not what you expect, but exactly what is needed. It has a classical feeling and a modern feeling. The cover shows some of the action, even though there is little in the way of traditional action. You must read the art as well as the sparse, but important, text.
The publisher description mentioned that this has won a few awards such as the Winner of a Governor General’s Award, Canada’s most prestigious literary prize, and the Bologna Ragazzi Award. And while I would like to see the other nominees, I do feel this book should have a few awards. As (also publisher description) this book is a stunningly evocative book about experience, trauma and healing will stay with readers from beginning to end. It is not for everyone, and since I was able to find an online copy, I am not sure of the format, but I can see this in upper grades and high school classrooms.
