Cloud Eyes by Kathryn Lasky

Cloud Eyes is a children’s book written by Kathryn Lasky (b. 1944) and illustrated by Barry Moser (b. 1940). It was published by Harcourt, Brace & Co. in 1994.

Cloud Eyes, a young dreamer, is his tribe’s only hope for bringing honey back to the lodges of his people. So begins this Native American boy’s quest.

From the book’s colophon:

The illustrations in this book were done in graphite on plate bristol. The display type was set in Rustikalis Black by Latent Lettering, New York, New York. The text type was set in Trump Medieval by Thompson Type, San Diego, California. Printed and bound by Tien Wah Press, Singapore. Production supervision by Warren Wallerstein and Kent MacElwee. Designed by Barry Moser and Camilla Filancia

By default, the letter o in Rustikalis is open at the top, with an implied calligraphic loop. The designers apparently disliked this detail. Maybe they feared it was too ambiguous for young readers. In any case, the gap was closed – without removing the tiny remaining spur. The letter now can’t be mistaken for a v, but it’s also less animated. Apart from this minor criticism, it’s a beautifuly designed book.