Up in the Clouds

Join three young brothers who by sheer imagination embark on an urban adventure. The brother's creative minds can't be confined to a bedroom when they have so much to discover right outside of their front door.

Their innocence to the dangers of the world is tested when they step into the concrete jungle. Paul, the oldest brother discovers a treasure chest and that's when the adventure begins. Up In The Clouds isn't just the book title or the experience of seeing imageries drifting in the sky. It represents the essence of discovery, creativity and possibility. It's having "child-like" faith to see the beauty in everything. And where beauty doesn't exist, having the courage to create it.

A note to the reader...

Finding books that appeal to elementary and middle grade children can be challenging. This children's book, illustrated by urban artivist, Aundrae EAZYYOKEART Williams, and brilliantly transcribed over North St. Louis city landscapes photographed by the author Shelley Mitchom, uniquely tells the experiences of three inner city brothers who desire to dream beyond their environment.

This story is a simple, rhythmic read that presents stimulating word play and resonating thought to even the most reluctant reader. With a clear, yet colorful storyline and expressive illustrations, Up In The Clouds is an engaging and fascinating story that is sure to captivate every child's imagination and keep their attention to the very last word.

Readers will enjoy the photo/illustration mix, St. Louisans will be excited to recognize local landmarks, and the setting is engaging to all, even those that don't live in a "concrete jungle". This inspiring and encouraging book celebrates the innocence of children while also paying homage to both the author's and illustrator's hometown. It comprises of local places and childhood memories that will forever be archived throughout the pages.

About the Creator

Shelley Mitchom

Wife, mother, author, dare-she-say photographer, and more! Originally from the Northside of St. Louis, Missouri, Shelley has a deep desire to see inner city children thrive. She attended Howard University and received a degree in Fashion Merchandising from Fontbonne University in St. Louis, Missouri. A mother of three beautiful growing boys who inspired the book, Up In The Clouds, her goal is to develop a platform of storytelling that gives a voice to the experience of those often hidden. By highlighting social issues in an easy-to-understand way, Shelley aims to bring light to areas that are overlooked and people who are unseen. She has many more stories and poems to publish to continue this work and dreams of one day having an Up In The Clouds art gallery

About the ARTivist

Aundrae Williams

Husband, father, and teacher. Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, and a former pro-Basketball player who played in Beijing, China. Mr. Williams, an artivist, has his master’s degree in the art of teaching from Lindenwood University, St. Charles, and principal certification from Point Park University, Pittsburgh. Mr. Williams shares his work via Instagram, creating viral pieces and working with social media influencers. He has had art shows in St. Louis and Pittsburgh and generated online buzz after gaining a humble following of 13k followers. As a teacher who has taught K-12, Mr. Williams’s goal is to inspire a generation of young people to pursue their dreams and to inform others of injustices that happen around the world through art.

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