Cloudmaker is an ancient being – a heavenly creature who once worked alongside other ancestral spirits to bring the universe to life. He took pride in his clouds, which he spread across the skies. His favourite was Cirra, a kindred spirit with whom he shared the ages. Together, they would sit and gaze into the universe remembering their creations.
But Cloudmaker’s spirit had grown weary. The other ancestors had ascended into the Dreaming, and he was left alone. Though he still loved tending his cloud gardens, he longed for the joy and energy of past creations once more.
Then, one day, Cloudmaker and Cirra saw something new – a planet coming to life. They watched on as land, sea, and sky filled with creatures, and vibrant plants began to bloom. Cloudmaker once again poured his energy into helping this new world flourish. His spirit sang with joy.
Yet soon, his sorrow returned. Tired and heavy-hearted, Cloudmaker began to fall from the sky, landing beneath a tree where a host of colourful birds – magpies, cockatoos, blue wrens, and more – gathered to investigate the strange being below.
Bravest among them, Magpie edged closer, wondering who he was – and how they might help him find peace and rejoin the other ancestral spirits in the Dreaming.
This poetic and soulful dreaming story is filled with emotion and meaning. From the deep blue of the universe and glowing white of Cloudmaker to the bright colourful life of the Australian lands, Milroy’s illustrations are simple yet expressive, complementing the story’s spiritual depth and gentle beauty.
Beautifully imaginative, Cloudmaker is enriched by Milroy’s deep connection to Country and nature.
Reviewed by Emily Ross
Age Guide 6+
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Helen Milroy is a born storyteller and a talented artist. She is a descendant of the Palyku people of the Pilbara region of Western Australia, but was born and educated in Perth. Currently Helen is the University of Western Australia and Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation Professor in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Commissioner with the National Mental Health Commission.
Helen has been on state and national mental health and research advisory committees and boards with a particular focus on Indigenous mental health as well as the wellbeing of children. From 2013-2017 Helen was a Commissioner for the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
In 2019, Helen was also appointed as a Commissioner with the Australian Football League.
0 Comments