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Cloudspotting for Beginners
A beautifully illustrated guide to clouds and the sky for inspiring and educating curious minds with meteorological wonder.
Renowned journalist, public speaker, and founder of the Cloud Appreciation Society Gavin Pretor-Pinney details the key facts and characteristics about each major cloud type. To accompany these scientific tidbits, William Grill's gorgeous illustrations of vast colorful skies and mesmerizing cloud patterns create a calming, thought-provoking learning experience.
From low-lying stratus to high-flying cirrus, Cloudspotting for Beginners covers how clouds are formed, the altitudes they prefer, the curious shapes they take, how they affect other meterological events, and more. The book breaks down the life and structure of a cloud on a molecular level, and then even expands on their interesting cross-planetary variations--for example, Jupiter's clouds are composed of ammonia ice crystals and Saturn's clouds congregate in an inexplicable hexagon around the planet's north pole.
Clouds follow us around all day, but most of us don't even know all of their names. They require a fascinating amount of chemical precision in order to exist, yet they disappear at the end of each day and are born anew the next. Cloudspotting for Beginners is a whimsical lesson on the oft-overlooked extraordinary lives of clouds that will serve as a gentle reminder to be present and observant in the face of impermanence. Just as informative as it is poetic and peaceful, this is the perfect guide for cloud appreciators and sky lovers.
Renowned journalist, public speaker, and founder of the Cloud Appreciation Society Gavin Pretor-Pinney details the key facts and characteristics about each major cloud type. To accompany these scientific tidbits, William Grill's gorgeous illustrations of vast colorful skies and mesmerizing cloud patterns create a calming, thought-provoking learning experience.
From low-lying stratus to high-flying cirrus, Cloudspotting for Beginners covers how clouds are formed, the altitudes they prefer, the curious shapes they take, how they affect other meterological events, and more. The book breaks down the life and structure of a cloud on a molecular level, and then even expands on their interesting cross-planetary variations--for example, Jupiter's clouds are composed of ammonia ice crystals and Saturn's clouds congregate in an inexplicable hexagon around the planet's north pole.
Clouds follow us around all day, but most of us don't even know all of their names. They require a fascinating amount of chemical precision in order to exist, yet they disappear at the end of each day and are born anew the next. Cloudspotting for Beginners is a whimsical lesson on the oft-overlooked extraordinary lives of clouds that will serve as a gentle reminder to be present and observant in the face of impermanence. Just as informative as it is poetic and peaceful, this is the perfect guide for cloud appreciators and sky lovers.
96 pages, Hardcover
Published July 9, 2024
About the author
Gavin Pretor-Pinney
22 books68 followersGavin Pretor-Pinney is cofounder of The Idler magazine in England and founded of The Cloud Appreciation Society in 2005.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
May 3, 2025
A delightful book that's not just for younger readers.
My husband loved clouds: he enjoyed looking at photographs posted on the website of the Cloud Appreciation Society as well as the clouds he could see from his spot on the sofa at home; and he was wont to describe clear blue skies as "banal." (Me: "But think of how quickly the washing will dry!")
This book arrived a couple of days after he died earlier this year and so of course I sat down and read it from cover to cover immediately. It's clearly written, detailed but not too, with just a touch of whimsy. The illustrations are perfect: soft and smudgy, and some--the Fibratus, the Crepuscular Rays--are upliftingly beautiful.
As the back cover suggests--and I'm sure this was my husband's message to me too--"a gentle reminder to be present and observant in the face of impermanence."
My husband loved clouds: he enjoyed looking at photographs posted on the website of the Cloud Appreciation Society as well as the clouds he could see from his spot on the sofa at home; and he was wont to describe clear blue skies as "banal." (Me: "But think of how quickly the washing will dry!")
This book arrived a couple of days after he died earlier this year and so of course I sat down and read it from cover to cover immediately. It's clearly written, detailed but not too, with just a touch of whimsy. The illustrations are perfect: soft and smudgy, and some--the Fibratus, the Crepuscular Rays--are upliftingly beautiful.
As the back cover suggests--and I'm sure this was my husband's message to me too--"a gentle reminder to be present and observant in the face of impermanence."
September 9, 2024
I'm not sure if anything reminds me more of childhood than clouds. Laying on the grass – with or without friends – looking up at the clouds as they drift by in a brilliant blue sky, changing shape from a rabbit to... some kind of blob, or... whatever. Or the dark thunderclouds that promised the excitement of lightning and thunder and maybe racing sticks in overflowing gutters, or the mysteriousness of a thick fog and trying to lose yourself in a grassy park.
A few years ago I read The Cloudspotter's Guide by Gavin Pretor-Pinney, an enjoyable book that combines the science of clouds with a sometimes meandering collection of charming anecdotes. In this book, he teams up with William Grill for a fully-illustrated and simpler guide to "Cloudspotting." Although it's nearly 100 pages long, it has the look and feel of a children's book - every page is fully illustrated with mostly minimal text. And it works very well - at least, it feels much easier to remember the different kinds of clouds. And I kept thinking: this would probably be a great gift for an 8 year old. But then I realized it's probably perfect for anyone of any age who isn't too grown up to be interested in spending some time looking up at the clouds. (I received an advance electronic copy from the publisher and NetGalley.)
A few years ago I read The Cloudspotter's Guide by Gavin Pretor-Pinney, an enjoyable book that combines the science of clouds with a sometimes meandering collection of charming anecdotes. In this book, he teams up with William Grill for a fully-illustrated and simpler guide to "Cloudspotting." Although it's nearly 100 pages long, it has the look and feel of a children's book - every page is fully illustrated with mostly minimal text. And it works very well - at least, it feels much easier to remember the different kinds of clouds. And I kept thinking: this would probably be a great gift for an 8 year old. But then I realized it's probably perfect for anyone of any age who isn't too grown up to be interested in spending some time looking up at the clouds. (I received an advance electronic copy from the publisher and NetGalley.)
April 16, 2024
I loved this book! It was an easy and delightful journey into the world of cloud spotting. The writing made it feel like a magical adventure.
It was beautiful how the book ended: “One thing’s certain: The sky is always changing. And so your cloud will be back. But it will look different next time, because every cloud is unique. So if you spot something in the clouds, pay attention. Don’t miss it, because no other cloud will ever be quite the same - you might be the only person in the world who chose to spot it.”
I definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about the sky! ☁️✨
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book.
It was beautiful how the book ended: “One thing’s certain: The sky is always changing. And so your cloud will be back. But it will look different next time, because every cloud is unique. So if you spot something in the clouds, pay attention. Don’t miss it, because no other cloud will ever be quite the same - you might be the only person in the world who chose to spot it.”
I definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about the sky! ☁️✨
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book.
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September 9, 2024A little bit of whimsy, a little bit of science. Excellent for kids and curious adults.
November 22, 2024
Finally old enough to enter my cloud spotting era
July 25, 2025
A charming and light introduction to the art of watching clouds. It’s not overly scientific, but that’s part of the appeal. It invites you to slow down, look up, and appreciate the beauty in the sky. The tone is playful and accessible, making it perfect for curious minds of all ages. A lovely little reminder that wonder can be found in everyday things.
November 24, 2025
Nerealiai graži knyga!
July 13, 2024
This is a fantastic intro to all kinds of clouds. The artwork is beautiful. The cloud descriptions are simple enough for anyone to grasp while still explaining the science behind clouds. I’m very happy I picked this up. I will be referring to it a lot as I look to the sky and learn what kinds of clouds I’m seeing.
June 28, 2024
I loved this book. The illustrations were beautiful. Each flip of the page led to short passages about clouds. Passages were interesting and informative and supported by gorgeous drawings.
For example, there are sections on each cloud type, on the origin of cloud terms, and the man who named clouds.
I feel like this book could appeal to people of all ages and is something that could be shared amongst generations in a family.
The illustrations are scientific in nature to a certain extent, but they are also artwork. Coupled with the observations and reference passages, it made me think of a really lovely, educational nature journal.
I adored it. And recommend it to everyone. Cloudspotting is an accessible hobby that almost anyone can participate in.
Thanks to Net Galley and Ten Speed Press for the ARC.
For example, there are sections on each cloud type, on the origin of cloud terms, and the man who named clouds.
I feel like this book could appeal to people of all ages and is something that could be shared amongst generations in a family.
The illustrations are scientific in nature to a certain extent, but they are also artwork. Coupled with the observations and reference passages, it made me think of a really lovely, educational nature journal.
I adored it. And recommend it to everyone. Cloudspotting is an accessible hobby that almost anyone can participate in.
Thanks to Net Galley and Ten Speed Press for the ARC.
January 11, 2026
Skaičiau ne kiek tam, kad išmokčiau, kurie debesys yra kurie, o tam, kad pasigrožėčiau dangum ir tuo, kaip žmonės moka gėrėtis pasauliu.
Glausti, informatyvūs ir šmaikštūs tekstai, nuostabios, prikaustančios iliustracijos - įkvėpimas kiekvienam edukatoriui.
Subalansuota cepelininio dangaus sezonui, smalsiems ir jautriems protams.
Glausti, informatyvūs ir šmaikštūs tekstai, nuostabios, prikaustančios iliustracijos - įkvėpimas kiekvienam edukatoriui.
Subalansuota cepelininio dangaus sezonui, smalsiems ir jautriems protams.
January 7, 2025
It’s hard to believe that it’s nineteen years since Gavin Pretor-Pinney’s Cloudspotter’s Guide was published; a surprise bestseller, it made me and thousands of others look at the ever-changing skyscape with new eyes. Something that I’d taken for granted was suddenly a thing of wonder and beauty. This new book, in large picture book format and stunningly illustrated by the Kate Greenaway Medal-winning artist William Grill is a gorgeous artefact in its own right and deserves a place on the bookshelves of any reader, adult or child, who has an interest in the world around them. It does what the best books do: satisfy and inspire in equal measure.
January 7, 2025
Really interesting to learn about the formation of clouds, I had no idea there was so much too it. I love the illustrations, really lovely. Cloud science really is quite involved!
November 9, 2024
Christmas shopping is sorted. Everyone gets this book.
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October 23, 2024Oggi vi parlo di una piccola chicca: una guida illustrata sulle nuvole.
Quante volte ci è capitato di alzare lo sguardo al cielo e perderci tra le nuvole studiandone le forme, vedendoci un volto piuttosto che un oggetto?
In #CloudSpottingForBegginners attraverso delle illustrazioni stupende e delle spiegazioni concise e mirate, scopriremo i vari tipi esistenti di nuvole. Ma anche come nascono e se sono presenti (e se sì, in che forma) negli altri pianeti.
Un libro da collezione. Esteticamente meraviglioso, ma anche utilissimo per apprendere tante cose su un mondo di cui sappiamo molto meno di quanto possiamo credere. Alcuni concetti sono un po’ complessi per dei bambini, ma altri no. Infatti secondo me potrebbe essere adatto anche ai più piccini. Magari da leggere e sfogliare insieme ad un adulto. Le immagini sono visivamente molto esplicative e per i bambini potrebbe essere un modo per passare del tempo di qualità con i genitori e al contempo apprendere qualcosa divertendosi.
☁️ Super consigliato!
My Bookstagram account: loscrignodiaria
Quante volte ci è capitato di alzare lo sguardo al cielo e perderci tra le nuvole studiandone le forme, vedendoci un volto piuttosto che un oggetto?
In #CloudSpottingForBegginners attraverso delle illustrazioni stupende e delle spiegazioni concise e mirate, scopriremo i vari tipi esistenti di nuvole. Ma anche come nascono e se sono presenti (e se sì, in che forma) negli altri pianeti.
Un libro da collezione. Esteticamente meraviglioso, ma anche utilissimo per apprendere tante cose su un mondo di cui sappiamo molto meno di quanto possiamo credere. Alcuni concetti sono un po’ complessi per dei bambini, ma altri no. Infatti secondo me potrebbe essere adatto anche ai più piccini. Magari da leggere e sfogliare insieme ad un adulto. Le immagini sono visivamente molto esplicative e per i bambini potrebbe essere un modo per passare del tempo di qualità con i genitori e al contempo apprendere qualcosa divertendosi.
☁️ Super consigliato!
My Bookstagram account: loscrignodiaria
November 26, 2024
Fascinating, deeply enjoyable. What would a cloud book be without illustrations? Worthless. These are dazzlingly beautiful. Clouds are a universal reality, yet we can walk around blind to their beauty and ignorant of their makeup. This book is a poetic argument to not do that.
This is now required reading for each of our kids, and I’d like to get a copy for our own library.
This is now required reading for each of our kids, and I’d like to get a copy for our own library.
January 11, 2025
Bellissimo e curato. Un giusto equilibrio tra informazione e intrattenimento, le tavole e le doppie sono spettacolari.
Le nuvole rendono il cielo uno spettacolo nuovo ogni giorno, è così che mi sono sentita a leggere questo libro.
Le nuvole rendono il cielo uno spettacolo nuovo ogni giorno, è così che mi sono sentita a leggere questo libro.
January 27, 2026
Een prachtig boek als je net als ik een “Wauw, kijk de lucht!” mens bent.
Met veel aandacht voor alle soorten wolken. Maar ook voor regenbogen, halo’s en andere verschijnselen in de lucht. Heel erg mooi geïllustreerd.
Met veel aandacht voor alle soorten wolken. Maar ook voor regenbogen, halo’s en andere verschijnselen in de lucht. Heel erg mooi geïllustreerd.
September 14, 2024
Beautiful, witty, simple, and quick.
January 1, 2025
Oh my God, this book! The heavens on show, page after page. Clouds are the new stars, what with Starlink so often in the way. Clouds offer all the wonder we need.
October 4, 2025
A lovely little read, perfect for those wanting to learn more about the skies ☁️ Seemed very apt reading it during a storm in the UK!
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January 7, 2026Look up right now.
April 11, 2026
what a perfect book????
October 31, 2024
A beautifully written book of clouds with knowledgeable information of what they mean with their form, size and colors. Very informative and has beautiful illustrations! Thank you Goodreads and Ten Speed Press for the opportunity to read this ARC book.
April 8, 2026
Sky became more beautiful and meaningfull over turning even a couple of pages!
April 29, 2024
I have read more than a few weather-related books since both of my children want to be meteorologists. Cloudspotting for Beginners is a unique book that I cannot wait to have on my shelf because I know it’s a resource that can be returned to again and again.
The illustrations are beautiful, while also being realistic. There are little tidbits of knowledge that make this book unique. I have read too many books that only identify the basic clouds and don’t show some of the more rare ones. I was so interested to learn how clouds got their Latin names, just like plants and animals!
This book is perfect for adults and children alike. It would be a wonderful reference guide to pull out during times of odd clouds (minus the cumulonimbus clouds sporting tornadoes).
Thank you to NetGalley, Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press, Ten Speed Press, and the authors William Grill and Gavin Pretor-Pinney for this wonderful resource.
The illustrations are beautiful, while also being realistic. There are little tidbits of knowledge that make this book unique. I have read too many books that only identify the basic clouds and don’t show some of the more rare ones. I was so interested to learn how clouds got their Latin names, just like plants and animals!
This book is perfect for adults and children alike. It would be a wonderful reference guide to pull out during times of odd clouds (minus the cumulonimbus clouds sporting tornadoes).
Thank you to NetGalley, Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press, Ten Speed Press, and the authors William Grill and Gavin Pretor-Pinney for this wonderful resource.
April 5, 2026
”One thing's certain: The sky is always changing… if you spot something special in the clouds, pay attention. Don't miss it, because no other cloud will ever be quite the same - you might be the only person in the world who chose to spot it.”
This was fantastic. Gavin Pretor-Pinney is the founder of The Cloud Appreciation Society (yes, that is indeed a thing) and honestly your best bet as a tour guide to the wide world of cloudspotting.
Like many clouds, the best thing about this book is its simplicity. It does not drown you in dense meteorology research, but also has enough details and information to distance itself from the world of children’s literature. Even if you do not care about the science and drama of cloud formation, I believe that anyone (kids included) can appreciate William Grills’ stunning illustrations.
I need to do some more studying to actually remember the long Latin names of these clouds and properly identify them in the wild, but still this was an informative crash course! Highly recommend!
My Top 10 Clouds:
10. Cavum
9. Lacunosus
8. Cirrus
7. Lenticularis
6. Volutus
5. Nimbostratus (it might be a hot take to put this in my top 5. These clouds have always given me a sense of calm.)
4. Altocumulus
3. Asperitas (first spotted by the Cloud Appreciation Society!)
2. Noctilucent
1. Nacreous
June 7, 2024
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.
Cloudspotting for Beginners by William Grill and Gavin Pretor-Pinney is a book that invites readers to look up and discover the vast canvas of the sky. This beautifully illustrated guide is a journey through the atmosphere, one that educates and inspires awe with every page turned.
The authors, Grill, an artist, and Pretor-Pinney, a renowned journalist and founder of the Cloud Appreciation Society, have crafted a work that is as informative as it is poetic. It’s a testament to the authors’ expertise that they can break down the life and structure of a cloud, making the information accessible and engaging to the reader.
What sets this book apart is Grill’s gorgeous illustrations of colorful skies and mesmerizing cloud patterns.
In conclusion, Cloudspotting for Beginners is a tribute to the sky’s daily performance. It’s a perfect blend of science and art, making it an essential addition to the library of anyone who appreciates the sky’s natural beauty or seeks to understand the meteorological wonders above us.
This book is a refreshing take on a subject that touches all our lives, yet remains shrouded in mystery. It’s a must-read for cloud appreciators, sky lovers, and curious minds.
Cloudspotting for Beginners by William Grill and Gavin Pretor-Pinney is a book that invites readers to look up and discover the vast canvas of the sky. This beautifully illustrated guide is a journey through the atmosphere, one that educates and inspires awe with every page turned.
The authors, Grill, an artist, and Pretor-Pinney, a renowned journalist and founder of the Cloud Appreciation Society, have crafted a work that is as informative as it is poetic. It’s a testament to the authors’ expertise that they can break down the life and structure of a cloud, making the information accessible and engaging to the reader.
What sets this book apart is Grill’s gorgeous illustrations of colorful skies and mesmerizing cloud patterns.
In conclusion, Cloudspotting for Beginners is a tribute to the sky’s daily performance. It’s a perfect blend of science and art, making it an essential addition to the library of anyone who appreciates the sky’s natural beauty or seeks to understand the meteorological wonders above us.
This book is a refreshing take on a subject that touches all our lives, yet remains shrouded in mystery. It’s a must-read for cloud appreciators, sky lovers, and curious minds.
June 23, 2024
This is one of the most charming books I've ever read! Gavin Pretor-Pinney and William Grill have put together a beautiful book (and when I say beautiful, I mean *gorgeous*, it is art) that can make anyone, of any age, excited about clouds. The whimsical writing pairs so well with the illustrations and every page is a delight.
What more can you ask for from a non-fiction book that not just teaches you things but teaches them in a way that makes you happy? I knew a little about different types of clouds but this covers so much more, including how clouds even got names in the first place and it even ends with information about clouds on different planets! This is a perfect cloudspotting guide for beginners and though quite short, once you're through, you won't look at the sky the same way again. It's also one of those books that you would want to have a copy on your shelf, because you will love flipping through those pages again and again.
Thank you Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press, William Grill; Gavin Pretor-Pinney, and NetGalley for providing me with a digital ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.
What more can you ask for from a non-fiction book that not just teaches you things but teaches them in a way that makes you happy? I knew a little about different types of clouds but this covers so much more, including how clouds even got names in the first place and it even ends with information about clouds on different planets! This is a perfect cloudspotting guide for beginners and though quite short, once you're through, you won't look at the sky the same way again. It's also one of those books that you would want to have a copy on your shelf, because you will love flipping through those pages again and again.
Thank you Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press, William Grill; Gavin Pretor-Pinney, and NetGalley for providing me with a digital ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.
October 7, 2024
A book that was recommended to me and provided to me on a 15-minute ride. As small as the book appears to be, though, and without a lot of words on its pages, it sure packs a punch.
The book touches on everything cloud or cloud-related thus the reader learns about the 10 types, the history of cloud naming, basic cloud info, the uniqueness of snowflakes, how clouds work including during storms, special clouds & various tornado shapes with their names. There is also a section on rainbows, halos, light shows and some planetary clouds to round out the book.
The information is simple to read and understand with a lot of graphics to help the reader. And the actual illustrations besides are so wonderfully done that they help to capture the beauty of certain cloud showd.
This is one book that should be in every nature & science library just since it may encourage you to keep an eye on the skies above you.
The book touches on everything cloud or cloud-related thus the reader learns about the 10 types, the history of cloud naming, basic cloud info, the uniqueness of snowflakes, how clouds work including during storms, special clouds & various tornado shapes with their names. There is also a section on rainbows, halos, light shows and some planetary clouds to round out the book.
The information is simple to read and understand with a lot of graphics to help the reader. And the actual illustrations besides are so wonderfully done that they help to capture the beauty of certain cloud showd.
This is one book that should be in every nature & science library just since it may encourage you to keep an eye on the skies above you.
December 25, 2025
Wolken kijken voor beginners. Tekst: Gavin Pretor-Pinney. Illustraties: William Grill.
Pretor-Pinney is dé oprichter van de Cloud Appreciation Society dus durf ik het amper zeggen maar ik was ooit de oprichter van de (online) Wolkenclub. Lang geleden hoor, maar wolken blijven een speciaal plekje in mijn hart innemen.
Ik hou zonder nadenken van ze. En net daarom wil ik er eigenlijk niet te veel over lezen. Ik wil de magie niet verliezen. Wolken kijken voor beginners is daar het ideale boek voor. De combinatie van makkelijk leesbare (poëtisch geschreven welhaast) wetenschappelijke teksten en de hartverwarmende tekeningen van William Grill maken dit boek tot een pareltje.
Je leest, je leert en om de zoveel pagina’s is er je hart dat opveert: om de schoonheid van het boek én van de wereld om ons heen.
Oh, wat ben ik blij met dit moois. Kijk omhoog!
Pretor-Pinney is dé oprichter van de Cloud Appreciation Society dus durf ik het amper zeggen maar ik was ooit de oprichter van de (online) Wolkenclub. Lang geleden hoor, maar wolken blijven een speciaal plekje in mijn hart innemen.
Ik hou zonder nadenken van ze. En net daarom wil ik er eigenlijk niet te veel over lezen. Ik wil de magie niet verliezen. Wolken kijken voor beginners is daar het ideale boek voor. De combinatie van makkelijk leesbare (poëtisch geschreven welhaast) wetenschappelijke teksten en de hartverwarmende tekeningen van William Grill maken dit boek tot een pareltje.
Je leest, je leert en om de zoveel pagina’s is er je hart dat opveert: om de schoonheid van het boek én van de wereld om ons heen.
Oh, wat ben ik blij met dit moois. Kijk omhoog!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews