cover image Jonathan's Cloud

Jonathan's Cloud

Gardner McFall. HarperCollins Publishers, $11.5 (32pp) ISBN 978-0-06-024123-0

Jonathan wakes one morning to find a cloud in his room. He consults various peoplea doctor, a zookeeper and a balloon salesmanabout the proper care of a cloud. Finally, when a magician tells him, ""A cloud is untamable. A cloud is untrainable,'' Jonathan decides to let the cloud go. The story's premise is sweet, but after introducing it, the author follows a rather predictable course. Old-fashioned, simplified illustrations fail to enliven the story. Jonathan's Cloud lacks the vision that could make an idea like this soar. (58)