I have always loved books. I love them so much that I even wrote a list here on Broke by Books about the best bird books. Birds lend themselves to so many analogies, like “the early bird gets the worm.” Their extraordinary ability to fly high being carried by their wings alone is such a beautiful metaphor to overcoming the setbacks that keep you grounded.
It’s that theme—overcoming the negativity that can hold you back from pursuing your goals—that is on display in Among the Clouds, the debut picture book from author DeMario Pressley.
An NFL alum and Super Bowl champion, DeMario has written an uplifting story (with illustrations by Maryna Kryvets) that builds on his own personal journey of transcending challenges and finding the confidence to chase your dreams.
The main character is Ace, a song sparrow, who is driven to fly high up to be among the clouds in the sky. Ace faces naysayers and doubters who want to hold him down. But with a little help from some new friends, his relentless ambition, and his unwavering dedication to his goal, Ace finally reaches as high as the clouds.
Having endured challenges when I was a kid, I understand just how valuable Ace’s story is for children. Reading Among the Clouds gives struggling youth a story that reassures them that they can achieve anything they want to with enough grit and determination. The focus on not listening to doubters is especially important. Whether facing bullies or unsupportive influences, young people are exposed to so much negativity, in particular within a world where social media can have adverse impacts on the mental health and wellbeing of children.
Reading Among the Clouds is like getting the best pep talk; it’s just as inspiring as the words you’d hear in the locker room during halftime at the Super Bowl. Among the Clouds is a gift that kids can return to again and again whenever they need a boost of confidence, its message one children can revisit anytime they waver in faith that they can do anything they set out to do.
At 52 pages, Among the Clouds is a little longer than many picture books, but that’s a good thing. It’s a story to savor, to take in the gorgeous illustration and follow Ace’s journey of self-discovery page by page without rushing through. Its length means Among the Clouds bridges a key demographic of young readers, being suitable for 3-10 year olds. Parents and adults can share in the reading and make the experience of reading Among the Clouds a memorable one that families revisit over and over again.
DeMario was kind enough to stop by for an interview that you can read below. In our conversation, DeMario talks about the inspiration for Among the Clouds and what message he hopes it will offer kids struggling with self-doubt.
Welcome, DeMario!
What is the origin story for this book… Where did you get the idea for Among the Clouds?
Among the Clouds is a story that has been with me for a long time. I’ve always wanted to create stories that inspire kids, and I knew from the start that this one would be centered around chasing goals and overcoming obstacles. Even before I had a title or a clear vision of the characters, I had this idea of resilience, perseverance, and dreaming big. I wanted to craft a story that not only entertained but also encouraged kids to believe in themselves—no matter what challenges they face. Over time, Ace, my fearless little song sparrow, took shape, and his journey became a reflection of that message.
Why choose birds?
I didn’t really choose birds—birds chose me. I’ve always had a deep appreciation for them, and they’ve been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. We had pet birds growing up, and my family—especially my mom, grandmother, and great-grandmother—had a special love for them. My great-grandmother’s backyard was like a little bird sanctuary, full of feeders, birdbaths, and birdhouses. Inside, her home was covered with bird statues and knickknacks, and my grandmother was the same way.
Birds have always represented something deeper to me—freedom, resilience, and the ability to rise above challenges. So when I started working on Among the Clouds, making the main character a bird just felt natural.
In what ways are you and Ace alike?
Ace and I are a lot alike when it comes to chasing big dreams. He wants to soar higher than anyone thought possible, and I’ve always had that same mindset—whether it was making it to the NFL, being part of a Super Bowl-winning team, writing this book, or building something that inspires others. Like Ace, I’ve faced doubts, setbacks, and moments when things felt impossible. But we both keep pushing forward.
Ace’s story is really about believing in yourself, even when things get tough. That’s something I’ve had to learn in my own life, and it’s a message I hope kids take away from the book.
How does your experience as a professional athlete inform your story?
Playing in the NFL taught me a lot about perseverance, discipline, and pushing past limits—all of which are themes in Among the Clouds. As an athlete, you face constant challenges: people doubting you, tough losses, and moments where you have to dig deep and keep going, even when it feels impossible. That’s exactly what Ace goes through in the story.
In football, just like in life, success isn’t just about talent—it’s about mindset, resilience, and believing in yourself even when things don’t go your way. Ace’s journey mirrors that. He faces obstacles and hears voices telling him he can’t do it, but he keeps pushing forward. That’s something I lived firsthand, and it’s a message I want kids to take with them—no dream is too big if you have the heart to chase it.
What did you learn about yourself as a writer while you worked on this book?
I learned that storytelling, like anything else, takes patience, persistence, and pushing through moments of doubt. Writing Among the Clouds showed me that I have a voice worth sharing, but it also reminded me that writing is a craft—I still have a lot to learn.
There were times I questioned if I was getting the story right or if the words truly reflected the message I wanted to share. In some areas, I used slightly richer language than what you’d usually see in a kids’ book, but the simpler alternatives didn’t feel right. I wanted to create something kids could grow into, and that was a big learning moment for me—finding the balance between keeping it engaging for young readers while staying true to the story.
Through it all, I realized how much I enjoy the creative process. Watching a simple idea turn into a full story with real characters and a meaningful message was incredible. It reminded me that, just like Ace, I have to trust the process, embrace the challenges, and keep going.
What children’s books and authors inspire you the most?
Growing up, I was really inspired by Shel Silverstein’s books. A Light in the Attic and Where the Sidewalk Ends stood out to me because they made me think in ways other books didn’t. His style was playful but also thought-provoking, and that stuck with me.
Now, my kids have their own favorites that we read over and over. I Wish for Freedom by Monique Lorden, Hey Black Child by Useni Eugene Perkins, and Puppy, Puppy, Please by Spike Lee and Tonya Lee are just a few that stay in rotation at our house. Seeing what resonates with them has definitely influenced how I think about writing for children.
Beyond children’s stories, The Alchemist and Relentless by Tim Grover have had a big impact on me. They remind me that great storytelling—whether for kids or adults—is about more than just words on a page. It’s about sparking imagination, ambition, and self-belief.
What do you hope readers will take away from Among the Clouds?
I hope every reader, child or adult, walks away feeling motivated and believing in themselves. Ace’s journey is about chasing dreams, pushing past doubt, and never giving up. I want kids to see that no dream is too big, and I hope it sparks conversations with parents about perseverance and confidence.
At its core, Among the Clouds is a reminder that the sky isn’t the limit—it’s just the beginning.
What’s the next book you’re working on?
I’ve written several other stories, but right now, my focus is on building Among the Clouds into something bigger than just a book. I believe it has the potential to inspire kids in ways beyond the pages—through animation, interactive experiences, and other creative projects. I want to make this story truly special.
There are definitely more stories on the way, and when the time is right, I’ll be excited to share them!
Thank you, DeMario for talking with Broke by Books!
Be sure to pick up Among the Clouds on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Walmart, and Books-A-Million! And add it to your TBR on Goodreads here. You can learn more about DeMario on his website.
Full disclosure: I consult with DeMario on marketing
