Lizzy and the Cloud

It is not difficult to be a fan of the Fan Brothers. They are a pair of the most talented illustrators working in the field of children’s literature. The latest collaboration of Terry and Eric Fan has led to the creation of Lizzy and the Cloud. In the book, a young girl named Lizzy goes to the park. Whereas most parkgoers rush towards the carousel or the puppet show, Lizzy wishes to visit the cloud seller. There are clouds in the shapes of birds and animals, but Lizzy wants an “ordinary cloud”. She makes her purchase and names the cloud, Milo. Lizzy carefully attends to her cloud, adhering closely to the instructions she received with her purchase. Unfortunately, she forgets the most important rule—to never confine her cloud to a small space.
The exquisite artwork was rendered in pencil and was then coloured digitally. The spare use of colour against greyscale backgrounds is eye-catching. The artwork is heavily textured, adding depth and visual appeal to what are delightful illustrations. The texture appears in backgrounds including patterned wallpaper and the brickwork on buildings. In the textured foregrounds, rain splashes the floor, and there are footprints in the snow. Visual interest and appeal are magnified by the details embedded within the artwork—eggs in a nest, a cat on a rooftop, a sandcastle at the beach, photographs on the wall, advertising signs, and a newly married couple in a cityscape. One can spend a long time gazing at the artwork, enjoying the experience, and continually discovering further details.

The quality of the story and the artwork is matched by the beautiful overall design of the book. Lizzy Bromley is credited as the book designer. The book is dedicated to “Lizzy, fellow cloud watcher and dreamer.” One assumes the Lizzy of the dedication is the same Lizzy Bromley who was the designer and, presumably, is the same Lizzy who inspired the protagonist’s name. If so, it is a lovely tribute by the Fan Brothers, but it is also one well-deserved for wonderful design work. Simply put, everything about Lizzy and the Cloud reflects quality.

The dust jacket pen portrait of Eric Fan indicates that he enjoys vintage bicycles and clockwork contraptions. Terry Fan is identified as having an especial interest in portraits. The Fans have cleverly embedded these passions into the artwork—a man rides a penny-farthing bicycle, the town hall clock is featured, and a clock and watch repair shop carries the name, The Stopped Clock. Framed portraits appear on the end papers and on additional spreads throughout the book. These autobiographical elements reflect the investment the Fans have made into the book. They have star quality, and, once again, they have produced a wonderful work with Lizzy and the Cloud.