Families who loved The Boy, the Cloud and the Very Tall Tale by Heather Smith often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child is processing a significant loss or struggling with the weight of family secrets that feel impossible to voice. This seafaring adventure serves as a gentle bridge for families navigating grief, especially the absence of a father figure, by using the familiar scaffolding of a classic fairy tale to explore very real human emotions. It is a story about finding the courage to speak the truth even when the world feels clouded by confusion and sadness. Set against a misty maritime backdrop, the narrative follows Ewan as he navigates the 'tall tales' told by his family to mask a painful past. It is an ideal choice for the 9 to 12 age group, offering a sophisticated blend of historical fiction and magical realism. Parents will appreciate how the book validates a child's intuition, showing that kids often sense the truths adults try to hide, and ultimately demonstrates that honesty is the wind that clears the fog.
