Among the Clouds by DeMario Pressley

In a world where children’s literature often rushes through stories in a handful of pages, “Among the Clouds” by DeMario Pressley stands tall—or rather, flies high—as a refreshingly immersive journey that gives young readers the time and space to truly connect with its characters and message. This debut children’s book from the Super Bowl Champion delivers a heartwarming tale that nestles perfectly between entertainment and enlightenment, offering profound life lessons wrapped in the feathery adventure of a determined song sparrow named Ace.

The Sky-High Journey

From the very first page, we’re introduced to Ace, a young song sparrow whose dream of flying above the clouds seems as vast as the sky itself. Pressley’s narrative soars with vivid descriptions of Ace’s daily flights—his “masterful determination” as he pumps his wings, his body “steady and wings outstretched” as he cuts through the wind “like a golden eagle.” Even in Ace’s descents, which he sometimes considers failures, there’s “artful finesse,” a beautiful reminder that even in our moments of perceived defeat, there can be grace.

The antagonists of the story—a group of critical, mocking birds aptly named the “Fence Flock”—represent the naysayers we all encounter in life. Their voices are “caustic, NOISY, and NASTY,” hurling hurtful accusations that sting but never truly define Ace. This portrayal of negativity feels authentic without becoming overwhelming, striking just the right balance for young readers.

When migrating sparrows Finn and Zhuri arrive, they bring not just friendship but also possibility—they’ve witnessed sparrows flying above clouds in the Red Mountains. This revelation sparks renewed hope in Ace, culminating in a series of creative (if unsuccessful) attempts to help him achieve his dream, from rope swings to slingshots to a “jetpack powered by honeybees” that results in poor Ace getting “stung twice.” These failed attempts lead to an important realization: sometimes the power we need is already within us.

Illustrations That Elevate

Maryna Kryvets’ illustrations deserve special mention for how they enhance the storytelling. Her artwork captures Ace’s determined expressions, the smugness of the Fence Flock, and the encouraging smiles of Finn and Zhuri with remarkable emotional depth. The visual portrayal of Ace’s flying techniques and the various contraptions built to help him adds both humor and narrative clarity.

The color palette evolves throughout the book, subtly reflecting Ace’s emotional journey—from the bright blues of hopeful skies to the more muted tones during moments of doubt, and finally to the glorious, expansive vista when Ace achieves his dream. These artistic choices create a visual journey that parallels the emotional one.

Themes That Resonate

What elevates “Among the Clouds” beyond a simple tale of perseverance is its layered themes that speak to readers of all ages:

1. Perseverance in the Face of Impossibility: Ace continues trying despite repeated failures and mockery, showing children the value of persistence.
2. The Power of Supportive Community: When Kristle helps gather birds to cheer for Ace, their voices drown out the negativity of the Fence Flock, demonstrating how positive support can overcome negativity.
3. Looking Beyond Conventional Wisdom: The story challenges the assumption that “sparrows don’t belong in the clouds,” encouraging children to question limitations placed on their dreams.
4. Authentic Success: After trying numerous gadgets and contraptions, Ace ultimately succeeds using just his own wings—a powerful reminder that we often already possess what we need to succeed.
5. Mentorship and Legacy: The touching final scene where Ace encourages a young hatchling shows how achievement can inspire others, creating a beautiful cycle of dreaming and achieving.

Writing That Takes Flight

Pressley’s writing style strikes a delicate balance between simplicity and emotional depth. His sentences flow with a rhythmic quality that makes the book perfect for reading aloud. The repetition of key phrases like “Dream big. Dream always.” creates memorable touchpoints that young readers can carry with them long after the story ends.

Particularly noteworthy is how Pressley handles the emotional arc of the story. When Ace nearly gives up, declaring himself “just not worth believing in,” the moment resonates with authentic vulnerability. Similarly, when the community finally rallies around him with chants of “Go, Ace! Fly, Ace!” the triumph feels earned rather than handed to the protagonist.

Educational Value Beyond the Story

“Among the Clouds” offers numerous opportunities for meaningful discussions with young readers:

• Recognizing Bullying: The Fence Flock’s behavior provides a clear example of bullying that children can identify.
• Understanding Perseverance: Ace’s repeated attempts illustrate that success often comes after multiple failures.
• The Impact of Words: The story beautifully demonstrates how both negative and positive words affect others.
• The Value of Genuine Support: Finn and Zhuri don’t just offer empty encouragement—they actively help Ace pursue his dream.

The book concludes with thought-provoking questions: “What dreams do you have? What voices will you listen to? How can you cheer on someone? Who might help you achieve your dreams?” These prompts extend the reading experience into meaningful family conversations.

A Fresh Voice in Children’s Literature

As a debut author, Pressley brings a refreshing authenticity to children’s literature. His background as a Super Bowl Champion likely informs the book’s themes of perseverance and achievement, but the story never feels preachy or heavy-handed. Instead, it flows naturally, allowing young readers to absorb its lessons through Ace’s experiences rather than explicit moral statements.

The Final Verdict

“Among the Clouds” earns its place on family bookshelves through its combination of engaging storytelling, meaningful themes, and emotional resonance. Unlike many contemporary children’s books that rush to a conclusion, Pressley takes the time to develop his characters and their journey, creating a richer reading experience that invites children to fully immerse themselves in Ace’s world.

This book will particularly resonate with:

• Children facing their own challenges and need inspiration
• Parents looking for stories that encourage perseverance
• Teachers seeking books that address bullying and community support
• Families who enjoy longer, more developed storytime experiences

In a market saturated with quick-read picture books, “Among the Clouds” reminds us of the power of patient storytelling. It gives children the gift of time—time to connect with Ace, time to process the obstacles he faces, and time to celebrate his ultimate triumph.

As Ace tells the young hatchling at the end of the story, “If you have the courage to try and the determination to never give up, you can soar to any height you desire.” With “Among the Clouds,” DeMario Pressley has given young readers wings to do exactly that.

Dream Big, Dream Always

In the final analysis, “Among the Clouds” doesn’t just tell a story—it creates a space where dreams take flight and the impossible becomes possible. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most important voice to listen to is the one inside yourself that says, “I can.” And with the right friends, the right community, and the right determination, those three little words can carry you above the clouds.