Claire and the Cathedral

In this showstopping masterpiece from author-artist Pam Fong, a young girl finds unexpected beauty in a rainy day, demonstrating the power of giving thanks and giving back. Wordless and illustrated in striking black-and-white artwork with pops of rainbow color, this is for fans of Wolf in the Snow, Journey, and Home in a Lunchbox.

When Claire’s mother takes her to the cathedral to pass the time on a rainy day, poor Claire could not be more bored. Soaring architecture, beautiful sculptures, historical significance—blah! Then a momentary ray of light shines through the famed Rose Window and brings color back into Claire’s world. Soon she realizes there are rainbows all around her, if she looks closely.

This wordless picture book celebrates the power of observation, gratitude, optimism, generosity, and the arts. Pam Fong makes a splash with her astonishing, intricately detailed black-and-white illustrations—light and music are the only elements shown in full-color glory. Claire and the Cathedral is ideal for readers who love books by David Wiesner, Barbara Lehman, Aaron Becker, and David Macauley.