The little cloud by Pam Fong

The dark before dawn and the clouds have gathered for they have important work to do because each knows that a cloud's job is to make storms - it's fun and they love it, so each is busy being busy gathering what they need to create havoc.

All except one, that is. Little Cloud would much rather slip away to take a moment to enjoy the view of the world below. As light spread overs the land Little Cloud sees the farmer is whistling, the piglets are having a snack, the bees are buzzing, the ducks are waddling, the stream is babbling and the cows are enjoying the fresh, green grass. One even winks at him!

But Big Grey Cloud is angry with Little Cloud and so are the others - there's no time for that sort of nonsense. There are storms to create.. Until...

It seems like Little Cloud's life echoes that of many of our children today, as the adults around them always seem to be in a rush and there is no time just to be. As though taking a moment to admire what is around us is not only unworthy and wasting time but something to actually condemn. But what is actually happening while they are so busy with work, work work and everything else that fills the time? Can the readers spot the looming danger?

This is a clever book that encourages little ones to stay curious, be observant and see the little things that make up life and the clever formatting that ensures they engage with the illustrations support this. But, at the same time, they could suggest the sort of music and movement that might represent the storm clouds and Little Cloud, contrasting the two and maybe even using their bodies to make it. It could even spark an investigation into what clouds are, how storms are formed and the weather generally.

This is a wonderful example of visual storytelling where young readers can involve all their senses as they suggests words that describe what they are seeing, what they might be hearing, how Big Cloud and Little Cloud are feeling, as well as predicting what the two blank pages portray.

Masterful.

Themes: Clouds, Weather, Perception.

Barbara Braxton