This archived Web page remains online for reference, research or recordkeeping purposes. This page will not be altered or updated. Web pages that are archived on the Internet are not subject to the Government of Canada Web Standards. As per the Communications Policy of the Government of Canada, you can request alternate formats of this page on the Contact Us page.
|
French Awards
One day, Nadine wakes up feeling sad, but her mother does not notice. All day she walks around with a small grey cloud over her head that no one else seems to see -- except for Madame Doris, during music class. As her mood lightens a little, Nadine realizes that a few other people have grey clouds hovering over them too. The best thing to do with these clouds, her music teacher advises, is to deal with them right away. Back home, Nadine sees her father and remembers their argument: he has his own cloud of sadness! Father and daughter are soon reconciled. Josée Plourde explores the subject of a child's unhappiness with compassion and lyricism, using the cloud metaphor skilfully to convey the little girl's feelings of confusion. Janice Nadeau's delicately tinted watercolours depict the secure environment that Nadine's home and village offer. The little girl's inner world is more troubled: her nightmare is filled with strange (although not terrifying) creatures. This world is unsettling; the illustrations reflect the mood of the text and enhance its dreamlike quality. -JP |