Suitabook

Whole in the clouds

Kristine Kibbee

Reading: Read alongside the child, pausing after Cora leaves Harborville to explore what feels different. Afterwards, discuss which discoveries concern wonder, relationships or Cora’s sense of self.
Themes: Belonging and identity: Cora feels out of place and as though part of her is missing before entering the mystical world. The story appears to explore whether connection and self-understanding can change Cora’s sense of belonging.
Friendship and love: Cora explores the new land with her devoted dog Motley and is said to discover genuine friendship and true love. The book?s stance on this remains unclear.
Appearance and transformation: A pudgy little girl is magically transformed into an ethereal beauty within the fantastical world. This offers a possible opening to consider how physical change relates to identity or value.
Worth knowing: Pay attention to how the story handles Cora’s loneliness, orphanhood and sense that something is missing. The transformation of another child into an ethereal beauty also merits discussion about appearance and worth.