Review: The Chocolate Clouds by Marc Remus

Author Marc Remus sends readers on a surprising and symbolic ride through the magical land of Foodtopia in his delectable children’s book, The Chocolate Clouds.

Henry’s family rose to wealth and prominence by securing the chocolate clouds and harvesting their bounty, ensuring plenty of food for Choco-Locoville and Sugarland. However, when the clouds suddenly disappear from his family’s property, Henry’s “normal” life melts away, so this health-conscious adventurer and his beloved cat embark on a grand quest to find them.

Daring to cross the Monster Mountains in search of his family’s most prized possessions, Henry learns the proper history of Foodtopia from the vegetarian residents on the other side of the peaks – and also has some delicious meals along the way. By the time he reaches downtown Veggington, with skyscrapers made of zucchini and tower-sized carrots, he realizes that there is much more to the world than sweets and constant stomachaches.

Encountering creative characters along the way, particularly Carrotina and the cleverly named Anosmia, Henry is introduced to the myriad food choices that will shock the people of Sugarland, changing his perspective on the world, and teaching him to make crucial decisions. With so many types of foods to choose from, Henry realizes that finding the missing chocolate clouds may not be the best way to save the people who count on his family for sustenance. A wholly imaginative story with a strong message for kids, The Chocolate Clouds is at once instructive and page-turning.

Though the story is founded on a whimsical premise, the underlying messages are quite serious, given the state of public health and obesity in the world today, particularly when unhealthy eating patterns begin in childhood. Henry’s journey to Veggington, the Vegan Woods, Fruitopolis, Barebone Island, and more represent healthy diversity within a person’s diet, and while this allegory may feel a bit on-the-nose to adults, it is presented in an entertaining way for young readers, reminding them that sweets and chocolates shouldn’t be the pinnacle of cuisine. On an even deeper level, this book comments on the societal problems of industrial dominance; supply chain issues and the fragility of monopolies may be over the heads of the target audience, but it won’t be missed by parents reading this book to their kids, and opens up new avenues of discussion.

Aside from the richness of the writing and Remus’ obvious storytelling skill, the illustrations make the reading experience all the more enjoyable. As the author is an illustrator himself, it makes the story all the more cohesive and immersive. The detailed, sketch-like style is cozy and comforting, wrapping around the text to effectively complement the story, without leading readers too much. Dozens and dozens of stunning graphite images bring this imaginative tale to life, which visually articulate the more vivid descriptions, and provide a stimulating break within the prose.

On a technical level, the writing is well-crafted for the age range – which can be something of a stumbling block for middle-grade fiction – and it is well-edited throughout. On rare occasions, Remus may paint too complete a picture for readers, rather than letting their imagination play, but this isn’t unusual for this reading level, and it is a minor issue in an otherwise stellar read.

All in all, The Chocolate Clouds is a book that deserves wide attention; the consistent emphasis on opening up to new knowledge and perspectives, while never making the message too obvious to young readers, elevates the story to greater heights over others in the genre.

The Chocolate Clouds was the Winner of the 2021 SPR Book Awards.