The Cloud Spinner by Catchpool, Michael (2012) Hardcover

by Catchpool

The Cloud Spinner by Catchpool, Michael [Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2012]...

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fantasy, Storytime, Fairy Tales, Fiction, Environment

Hardcover

First published February 1, 2012

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A boy spins beautiful scarves from clouds. He has made only two, though--one to cover his head to keep the heat away when it's hot, and another to wrap around his neck when it's cold outside. His mother taught him not to use too much: "Enough is enough and not one stitch more." But one day a greedy king sees the boy's remarkable scarf and demands that the boy spin one for him--only it must be much bigger and grander, for he is the king. The boy cautions that it would not be wise to use so many clouds, but the king will not listen. The king demands more and more until soon there is not a cloud in the sky and the villagers suffer from the lack of water. The solution to the problem comes from an unlikely source.

This is an obvious (but not annoyingly so) cautionary tale about consumerism and conservation but I found it pleasantly and engagingly told in a fairytale style. Alison Jay's quirky, folksy illustrations are a wonderful compliment, they hold the perfect blend of fairytale style and whimsy (I love the way the landscape and the houses have personalities, subtly smiling or frowning depending on what is happening). Those looking for a new tale along the lines of "The Emperor's New Clothes" or an unusual environmental story will likely enjoy this one.

[Chadi Raheb · Rating 3 out of 5]

در باب مضرات خودخواهی و زیاده‌خواهی

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

A young boy with the ability to spin clouds into thread, and to make the most beautiful fabric from that thread, finds that it is difficult to keep to his mother's maxim - "Enough is enough and not one stitch more" - in this lovely picture-book from English author and illustrator Michael Catchpool and Alison Jay. Ordered by the king to produce a scarf fit for royalty, and then dresses for the ladies of the palace, the boy must do as he is told, although he continually cautions that it is not wise to produce something that is not needed. His words prove prophetic when his spinning depletes the clouds in the sky, leading to drought and hunger in the land. Only the silent princess, of all the royals, understands what is happening, and takes steps to redress the damage her father has done to the world.

An original fairy-tale with a lesson to impart about using resources wisely, and not consuming just for the sake of consumption, The Cloud Spinner is never overwhelmed by its didactic purpose, offering an engaging narrative that stands well on its own, as a story. The artwork, done by Alison Jay in alkyd paint on thick cartridge paper, with crackle varnish to give an antique look, is vibrant and appealing. I liked the use of color, and the quirkiness of some of the human depictions, particularly the roly-poly king. All in all, The Cloud Spinner was a sweet and engaging little tale, one that can be used to spark discussions about greed, over-consumption and respect for the natural world with young people, or just enjoyed as a simple story.

[Tif · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't know, the cute, dreamy illustrations I think were better off on their own. The boy was a little too self-righteous for my tastes. It's one thing to teach about responsibility and preach against greed but it's another thing to presume to know what and how much a person needs.

[Luisa Knight · Rating 2 out of 5]

A unique tale about a boy that can spin clouds into cloth. When the King hears of this wonderful cloth, he makes many requests and something surprising happens to the village. The moral of the story: "Enough is enough and not one stitch more."

Ages: 4 - 8

#clouds #rain

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[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful book with a beautiful message.

[Shiloah · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Courtney (10) couldn’t wait to listen to this book read aloud! Big sister Bella (17) helped tonight.

[Natalie Stinehour · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cloud Spinner is a wonderful children’s fantasy book that teaches the importance of contentment. The reader of this story is constantly reminded that “Enough is enough and not one stitch more”.
This was a wow book for me because of the beautiful illustrations and the important moral message. The story shows the importance of using resources responsibly and shows children that greed does not only hurt the individual who is being greedy. The king’s greed did not just affect him, but would have destroyed his whole kingdom. Although the message is simple, it is extremely important and the book does a wonderful job of expressing the message in a child-friendly way.
I think that Educators could use this book for kindergarten through second grade. For kindergarteners, a teacher could read this book to the students in order to teach the important message of contentment and the danger of greed. For older classes like second grade, the teacher could have the students do a group read and the educator could use this book to demonstrate the importance of using resources wisely and relate it to protecting the environment.

[Inhabiting Books]

In this lovely, dreamy fable, a wise young boy spins clouds into cloth under the stricture "Enough is enough and not one stitch more." One day a greedy king spies his cloud-woven scarf and wants more, more, more, despite the young boy's warnings. When the king's greed dries up the clouds, it's up to the observant princess and the wise boy to set things right.

Released as Cloth From the Clouds in Britain, this story has a universal appeal for both boys and girls, and works beautifully for a read-aloud. Catchpool employs the stricture from the story, using just enough words to convey the story and "not one [word] more." Further, he understands the need for key (non-annoying) repetitive phases that keep the story anchored, and delivers his message of conservation in a gentle but effective manner. Brilliantly done.

The only book we've read previously by Michael Catchpool is his Where There's a Bear, There's Trouble, which was (and still is) universally adored by all three of my girls as toddlers. (Susanna, at five, still loves it and I still see the older two pulling it out of the bookshelf to read themselves on occasion.)

Alison Jay's deceptively simple, gorgeous folk art illustrations pair perfectly with this story. The colors are so beautiful. My children delighted in the cloud shapes and the smiling hills. (See the one on the cover?) I have loved her art since I first saw it on the original covers of Shannon Hale's Bayern series (The Goose Girl, Enna Burning and River Secrets.)

Bottom line: This book was definitely worth the purchase and I know it will be read again and again in the Neal house.

[Emma Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading The Cloud Spinner because of of its outstanding message. It teaches about selfishness and the effect it has on the rest of the community. I think that this book could be used to open discussion about the collective effort of sustainability, and how the actions of a few affect the outcome for many others. I considered this for my fantasy genre, and I think it could be useful for grade three especially, because although it is somewhat simple to read, it contains more complex ideas that can be applied to current events and aid in developing the general values of the students. I also loved our signpost instruction lesson on "Words of the Wiser" when reading this book. I would definitely use this book to teach the signposts to my students and to open a current-events discussion. It can also be used to discuss possible solutions to environmental issues, and demonstrates the importance of standing up for what you know is right, even if you are scared. I consider this a WOW book because of its relevance to very real, very current issues that we are facing today.

[W W · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story has potential, but was too formulaic to be really great. I also felt frustrated by the author's use of the word "crimson". The illustrations don't match the word, which confused my students who are learning English as a second or third language.

The kids seemed to like it more than I did, but even they weren't very engaged with it.

[DivaDiane SM · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a gorgeously and fancifully illustrated story, which tells of a wise boy who is able to spin the most amazing cloth from the clouds. Again we learn how much wiser than adults children are, and what the consequences of unfettered cloud cloth making are. The young princess saves the land! Unbeknown to anyone of course.

[Adrielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Immediately one of my favorite picture books. Gorgeous illustrations, with a fair dose of whimsy, coupled with warmhearted prose present readers with a tender and relevant lesson.


"Is it too late to undo what has been done?"

The boy smiled and said simply... "There is still time."

[Timothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most beautifully illustrated picture books I've seen so far in 2012. The story of a boy who can weave clouds into cloth, but he knows when "enough is enough, not one stitch more." A relevant message about the dangers of over-consumption.

[Alyson (Kid Lit Frenzy) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new tale with a classic feel to it.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lovely premise. "Enough is enough and not one stitch more."

Also loved the illustrations.

[Tanya Srivastava · Rating 5 out of 5]

Illustrations are so beautiful that it looks like real. I am smitten by this illustrator. Oh please some one pinch me else will fall more deeper. A must in one's toddlers' collection.

This story tells about greed and its consequences. There was a boy who could weave clothes from the clouds with his spinning wheels. His mother had taught him a simple tune "Enough is enough and not one stitch more" and he was wise so he spun just enough to make two scarves. One day boy was in market when the king was on his way. King's greedy eyes caught the attention of wonderful scarf of gold and white and crimson which the boy was wearing. He asked him to make one but boy politely denied his request stating majesty doesn't need it. King ordered him to make long scarf for him. Boy went home to the top of hill and began to spin and wove a long scarf. King was overjoyed and he ordered him to make cloak, dresses for queen and princess. Boy again denied but king didn't listen anything and ordered him to make whatever he wanted. He spun and spun and it got harder as there were fewer and fewer clouds. He sadly sang "Enough is enough and not one stitch more". King was delighted and queen agreed that king was the most wise then rest of others. Princess said nothing. Since sky was cloudless so it didn't rain and villagers came to king but he sent then back saying he can't do anything. Same evening princess came to boy will all clothes woven from clouds and handed over to boy. She asked him "Is it too late" but boy smiled and said "There is still time." Next day king couldn't find any of his beautiful dresses but it was raining heavily and villagers danced. They wondered and princess sang "Enough is enough and not one stitch more."

I still have hangover 😊!! I am unable to get my eyes off this beauty!!

[Maddy Shand · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cloud Spinner is a WOW Book. This would be a perfect fantasy book to read to 3rd graders. The book is about a young boy who has a very special talent of weaving cloth from the clouds. One day the King takes notices of this young boy's talent and orders the boy to make him a scarf from the clouds. The King gets rather greedy with his wishes even though the boy warns him that it would not be wise for him to make him things from the cloud.

This book would be perfect to talk about how we can take care of the environment. The students can reflect on how the King's greediness took away from the beautiful place where they lived. A teacher could specifically read this book on Earth Day and then have students make resolutions as to how they can make a positive impact on the environment. The students could write these resolutions on clouds made from craft paper and then the teacher could hang them around the classroom.

This is a WOW book because it is truly captivating. It was able to convey valuable themes in a more light-hearted manner. I would recommend this to any third grade teacher looking for a good read-aloud book for their students!

[Nicola · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this! It's has the classic feel of a Euro fable / fairy tale and the essence of the narrative is such that it could easily stand the test of time. The illustations are done with some 'eggshell cracking' to further support the feeling of a story that has been passed down. Miss 4 loved the illustrations and being able to clearly see the impact the king's selfishness was having on the land. The scholar in me also appreciated the historical links since there was the belief (at least in fiction) in some centuries that the king was linked to divinity and the well-being of the land.

Miss 4 and I like to explore different books and authors at the library, sometimes around particular topics or themes. We try to get different ones out every week or so; it's fun for both of us to have the variety and to look at a mix of new & favourite authors.

[Katharine Ott · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Cloud Spinner" - written by Michael Catchpool, illustrated by Alison Jay and published in 2012 by Alfred A Knopf. In this lovely fairy-tale-like picture book, the story stands up to the art, both are special. Little ones will love to imagine clouds being spun into fabric "soft as a mouse's touch and warm as roasted chestnuts" and the brushed, crackle-effect drawings really enhance the story. Extra time will be spent looking at all the fun details and the ending is happily satisfying. I'd especially like to check out Catchpool's "Where There's a Bear, There's Trouble!' and Jay's "Out of the Blue." Good stuff.

[Ali Gunns · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fantasy read aloud would be perfect for a K-2 classroom. This book is about a young by who uses the clouds to spin clothing into gold and crimson. When the king sees the beautiful scarf he creates, he wants one too. The king becomes greedy and asks for more and more until there are no more clouds in the sky.
I think this book would be a perfect read aloud for young elementary students. The pictures in this book are absolutely beautiful! The story could be used to teach about needs versus wants and appreciating the things that you have.
This is a WOW book for me because of how beautiful and colorful the pictures are. It also teaches a powerful message about greediness.

[MindfulMuslimReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story helps young children learn a crucial tenet of Islam—serving as stewards of this Earth and using the resources that God has entrusted us with responsibly. Simple, yet beautifully illustrated, this book allows children to understand what happens to the environment when we use more than we need. Greed and overconsumption are tackled in a manner that even young children can understand.

We rate children's books for virtue, language, story, and beauty and flag content advisories when needed.

Read more at MindfulMuslimReader.com.
“Books Worth Reading”

[MagenWrites · Rating 2 out of 5]

The illustrations are lovely and the best part of the book. The story would be a good lesson on conservation except the boy never says the source of his cloth.

The young boy is brave enough to tell the king he doesn't need the new clothes but does not say my clothes comes from.the clouds. Does the king ever know the true consequences of his decision by ordering more clothes?

It seems like an additional page or two extra lines of dialogue would have really solidified the storyline. It would make the moral better if the king was aware that his choice would impact the entire community.

[Whitney Illing · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Cloud Spinner” is a whimsical story of a young boy who weaves cloth from the clouds. When the king demands numerous cloaks and gowns, their world changes. The repeated theme throughout the story is “enough is enough and not one stitch more.” The moral of the story being to protect our natural world. The beautiful illustrations add life to the story. This was a WOW book for me because of the message it sends to readers. It showed me that when you are greedy it effects many other people. I should only take and use what I need. I am reminded to use the moral of the story in my daily life.

“The Cloud Spinner” is a fantasy that can be used in kindergarten-3rd grade. This book can be used to build classroom community, reminding students to not be greedy or selfish. Students can write about ways they can help the environment. Teachers can use this book to introduce students to the topic of clouds.

[Christina Reid · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up initially because of Alison Jay's stunning illustrations, which I love. The story has the feel of a fairy tale or a traditional tale with a moral. It puts across a simple message about using natural resources thoughtfully and thinking about the downside of consumerism.
One I will be reading with my class this year!
3.5 stars.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple fairy tale about the toil that excess takes. The hero weaves clothes out of the clouds, but uses just enough of what he needs. Until the king demands more than his fair share. Luckily a very wise princess knows how to look at the big picture. The picture are told with a unique style, and the story is simple, yet relevant. Solid all around read.

[IRIFF · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 5yo son gives this 5 stars because the boy was able to solve the problem. He liked the moral: enough is enough and not one stitch more. (I give it 3 stars)

I picked this book because we are focusing on values and integrity right now. While it doesn't explicitly demonstrate integrity, we can discuss how our own behaviors can align with the values in the book.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A touching fable about greed and only taking what you need. My child was annoyed, however, that the boy never tells the king why he shouldn't take so much (perhaps he was simply unaware of the consequences of his actions?). But, this picture book is a good conversation starter on the subject of only taking what you must.

[Zahra tavakoli · Rating 4 out of 5]

پادشاه از شال پسرک خوشش می‌آید و از او می‌خواهد شالی مثل همین ولی بلندتر برایش ببافد. پسرک شروع به بافتن می‌کند و از ابر شالی برای پادشاه می‌بافد. اما حرص و طمع پادشاه پایانی ندارد و آنقدر لباس ابری از پسرک طلب می‌کند که ابرهای آسمان تمام می‌شود و کشورش بی باران. برای حل این مشکل نیاز به یک انسان عاقل است که دچار حرص نباشد...
داستانی تصویری دربارهٔ حرص و طمع و پیامدهای آن مناسب بالای شش سال.

[Jennifer Strong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Famine and drought occur when an unwise king's demands use up all the clouds in the sky. Can the princess and the Cloud Spinner set everything right?
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The illustrations are so unique! I love the hidden faces on the hills. The story pretty heavily warns against greed.