REVIEW // Jeffrey L. Cheatham II's New Children's Book "Hi Blue Sky"

One of the beautiful things about literature has always been its ability to communicate messages and express sentiments that are often difficult to share or process in the non-fiction world. This is the case with mature subjects, as well as the most delicate of topics. This is particularly true when it comes to communicating challenging messages to children.

In his 2016 release "Why is Jane So Mad?" Seattle-based author Jeffrey L. Cheatham II explored the "beauty of friendship and the value of human connection, while also skillfully illustrating the limitations of childhood when it comes to understanding more complex emotions."

With the same empathetic spirit, "Hi Blue Sky" manages to present an otherwise devastating event, with a gentle tone that is easy for children to digest and even enjoy.

Jeffrey's passion for writing is rooted in his love and nurturing for his daughter. His goals: to write and publish as many enjoyable stories as humanly possible, and "create an atmosphere for people to always pursue their dreams with child-like ambition and imagination."

Keke, the main character in his book "Hi Blue Sky" remembers the best parts about her friendship with Tay, who has passed away. She also expresses regret with a few minor actions that she would correct if given the chance. Her declarations to the sky in hopes of sending messages off to Tay, are light but still longing. She smiles, but she still misses her friend.

Illustrated by Johanna Puukila, we see vibrant visuals of the young female narrator perched high in her treehouse, close to the stars, as she sends her wishes out into the sky with outstretched arms. In her hands she keeps two dolls, and the illustrations depict a happy child clinging to her memories of friendship and still needing to speak about them.

Just as Keke is unsure of how her friend passed away, the reader is also unaware of the details. What we do know is the love that was shared between the two friends, and Keke's gesture of presenting the girl doll to the skies for her friend Tay to have.  Tay in heaven is gifted this token of their friendship, just as she holds her little boy doll close to her heart.

Again, Jeffrey L. Cheatham II has written a beautiful presentation of life's complexities, in a way that is warm and caring, but still rooted in reality. Created with the "intention of educating children about grieving when losing a loved one," the story of Keke and her best friend is sweet, and still whimsical, despite the dark subject matter.

From her magical treehouse, Keke is able to communicate with the earth, and speak confidently about her friendship and the assertion that Tay will receive her messages. This book will be an excellent guide for parents and teachers to help ease children into the subject and realities of death and the grieving process.

Jeffrey has once again demonstrated his excellent handling of educating children, with the cretivity and joy for life required for their young inquisitive minds. The back of the book contains a lined page, addressed to a friend, where young readers can draft their own letters to the Blue Sky, and keep the hope and natural reality of death as something children can actively work through, after reading this book.

"Hi Blue Sky" is now available through Amazon; Jeffrey's other two children's books "The Family Jones and the Eggs of Rex" and "Why is Jane so Mad?" are are available through Amazon.




Written by Stacey Marie Robinson for Kya Publishing's "Urban Toronto Tales" blog.