High in the Clouds

by Philip Ardagh and Paul McCartney

Book Overview

With his homeland destroyed, Wirral the squirrel vows to find Animalia where all the animals live in freedom and without fear. Aided by a hot-air-ballooning frog, a red squirrel, and a streetwise rat, Wirral's quest turns into a plan to save all enslaved animals in this urban furry tail by rock legend McCartney. Full color.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0525477330
• ISBN13: 9780525477334
• Release Date: October 2005
• Publisher: Dutton Books
• Length: 96 Pages
• Weight: 1.09 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 8.3" x 10.0"
• Age Range: 6 to 9 years
• Grade Range: Grades 1 to 4

Customer Reviews

Help! They Need Somebody!

It's been a hard day's night for the creatures in the Woodland! Paul McCartney's "High in the Clouds" spreads the meaning of keeping our animal friends safe. We begin with the introduction of Wirral the Squirrel with his woodland home being destroyed. After meeting a group of very unusual friends, Wirral, Froggo, and Wilhamina are determined to find the enchanting land of Animalia, where all animals live free without a care in the world. Knowing his music so well, I respect Paul McCartney highly. Sir Paul has done a fantastic job in children's literature, in my opinion, of spreading the importance of nature in a way using symbolism, humor, and melancholy. I recommend this book to people of all ages (me being almost 14). Maybe with new authors, our "lonely hearted" animal friends will soon have a say in the world...

In Spite of All the Danger...

These three highly talented people, the Messrs. McCartney, Dunbar and Ardagh have created a delightful tale about good emerging triumphant. Paul McCartney, an avid fan of Disney, worked with Dunbar on a movie. This book is the fruit of artistic labor. Wirral, a squirrel who shares his name with a place in England, is a happy little creature whose mother, Sugartail regales him with stories. Sugartail reels in other listeners, such as the redoubtable Froggo, who stops and drops in from his helium balloon. Wirral equates the forest to Eden and pities those who live in Megatropolis, a large, bustling city. Gretch (yes, this is also the name of a guitar - effective humorous touch) decides to expand the city by demolishing parts of the forest. The woodland creatures run for cover. Sugartail, like Bambi Deer's mother before her, is a casualty of human greed and exploitation. She dies in the forest, pinned under a bulldozer. Her final words were to implore Wirral to find Animalia, the safe place for all animals. Devastated at becoming orphaned, Wirral heads for the big city. He meets Wilhamina, a high spirited red squirrel, a delightful little spit fire and Ratsy, a street savvy rodent who is quite oppidian in his tastes. The animals finally meet Gretch, the one responsible for the destruction of their forest. Wirral feels he has the ultimate plan to save the animals and get them to Animalia. As the Beatles said in "She Loves You," their 1963 classic, "you know it's up to you/I think it's only fair..." It is up to Wirral to see this plan through. A truly delightful story that is sure to bring smiles to faces of all ages. A fun little allegory that is good for families and classes. The song "All Together Now" seems to underscore this story.

A TOUCHING, ADVENTURE FILLED TALE

Who doesn't root for the good guys and love to see them win? Such a scenario becomes irresistible when presented by the talented trio of Paul McCartney, Geoff Dunbar, and Philip Ardagh. We understand that seeds for this book were planted when McCartney and Dunbar worked together on a film. Whatever the genesis, "High In The Clouds" is a sure winner. Our hero is Wirral, a happy squirrel who lives in Woodland and delights in listening to his mother's stories. Mom is Sugartail, an enchanting storyteller who captivates creatures with her words. Even Froggo listens, popping in from time to time in his hot-air balloon. Yes, life couldn't get much better for Wirral decides as he glances at nearby Megatropolis, a big ugly city. Woodland is Eden to him. Unfortunately there's trouble in Eden when Gretsch annexes Woodland and dispatches bulldozers "a nightmare of noise and destruction." The animals run in all directions, trying to escape the holocaust. Sadly, Sugartail is pinned beneath a huge tree. Her last words to Wirral are that he must find Animalia, a sanctuary where all the animals can live in freedom and safety. A disconsolate Wirral doesn't know what to do, so he heads for Megatropolis. It is there that he meets and befriends Wilhamina, a feisty red squirrel and Ratsy, a rodent (of course) who knows his way around city streets. He even meets the evil Gretsch who destroyed his beloved Woodlands. Out of his despair comes a plan - Wirral determines to save all animals. But, how can this be done? Therein lies this touching, adventure filled tale. - Gail Cooke

Delightful.

It's not going to be made into a movie anytime soon...nor do I think it will spurn a "tele" series. But I do hope Sir Paul keeps writing both songs and books. My seven year old daughter and I purchased the book yesterday. We read it last night. I worried since it is a picture book it might be too young for her... Sorry Paul, I underestimated your power. She was enthralled. The book is a great adventure...within a few pages we were drawn into it... almost immediately after meeting Wirral, the main character... he is thrust into the adult world by the sudden loss of a loved one. Wirral trying to fulfill the last wishes of his dead loved one begins a journey to find the magical world Animalia that he has been told exists only in fairy tales until his loved one tells him on her deathbed... Animalia is real! Around the world he goes...squirrel on the run, meeting friends and discovering the world... running up trees and saving girls...protecting the planet...one small squirrel step at a time. The drawings are wonderful and sweet. It is Paul McCartney after all. What else would one expect from one who constantly may be amazes me!

His Love of Animals and Children Shines Through

Paul McCartney is no stranger to the world of Childrens Literature, but with "High in the Clouds" he has outshone his past efforts with a work that combines his love of animals and children into a breathtaking, very readable - even to the very young elementary (though not pre-school) reader. The great humanitarian and musician's (how often will we keep saying "former Beatles'"?) appreciation of animals and the warm, colorful illustrations will be a sure winner with children of all ages this holiday season. There's even a touch of "The Yellow Submarine" towards the end of the book as Wirral Squirrel gathers a wonderous and colorful armada to succor his fellow creatures. Sir Paul may be approaching "64" but he is still a child at heart. Sure hope Sir Paul will do more book signings - I'd love a signed copy of this book.