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Kumo the Bashful Cloud
The uplifting journey of a bashful cloud ("kumo" in Japanese) who discovers the rewards of feeling seen.
Kumo is a cloud whose only wish is to float unseen. When she’s assigned cloud duty for the day, she feels overwhelmed by self-doubt and her fear of being noticed. But after learning that closing your eyes isn’t a good solution to your troubles, Kumo pulls her fluff together and does her duties — drifting, releasing rain and providing shelter — meeting some new friends along the way and inspiring the imagination (and capturing the heart) of a small daydreamer like her.
Kyo Maclear’s sweetly humorous and lyrical parable about shyness, vividly brought to life by Nathalie Dion’s ethereal illustrations, is an affirmation of the pleasures of community and the confidence that can arise from friendship and visibility.
Kumo is a cloud whose only wish is to float unseen. When she’s assigned cloud duty for the day, she feels overwhelmed by self-doubt and her fear of being noticed. But after learning that closing your eyes isn’t a good solution to your troubles, Kumo pulls her fluff together and does her duties — drifting, releasing rain and providing shelter — meeting some new friends along the way and inspiring the imagination (and capturing the heart) of a small daydreamer like her.
Kyo Maclear’s sweetly humorous and lyrical parable about shyness, vividly brought to life by Nathalie Dion’s ethereal illustrations, is an affirmation of the pleasures of community and the confidence that can arise from friendship and visibility.
64 pages, Hardcover
First published September 13, 2022
110 people want to read
About the author
Kyo Maclear
32 books497 followersKyo Maclear is an essayist, novelist and children’s author. She was born in London, England and moved to Toronto at the age of four with her British father (a foreign correspondent and documentary filmmaker) and Japanese mother (a painter and art dealer).
Her books have been translated into eighteen languages, published in over twenty-five countries, and garnered nominations from the Hilary Weston Writers’ Trust Prize for Nonfiction, the Governor General’s Literary Awards, the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Awards, the Amazon.ca First Novel Award, the National Magazine Awards, among other honours.
Unearthing: a Story of Tangled Love and Family Secrets (2023) was a national bestseller and awarded the Governor General’s Literary Award for Nonfiction. Her hybrid memoir Birds Art Life (2017) was a #1 National Bestseller and winner of the Trillium Book Award and the Nautilus Book Award for Lyrical Prose. It was named one of the best books of 2017 by The Globe and Mail, CBC, Now Magazine, the National Post, Forbes, the Chicago Review of Books, and Book Riot.
Her work has appeared in Orion Magazine, Brick, Border Crossings, The Millions, LitHub, The Volta, Prefix Photo, Resilience, The Guardian, Lion’s Roar, Azure, The Globe and Mail, and elsewhere. She has been a national arts reviewer for Canadian Art and a monthly arts columnist for Toronto Life.
Kyo holds a doctorate in environmental humanities teaches creative writing with The Humber School for Writers and the University of Guelph Creative Writing MFA.
She lives in Tkaronto/Toronto, on the traditional territories of the Mississaugas of the New Credit, the Haudenosaunee, Métis, and the Huron-Wendat.
Her books have been translated into eighteen languages, published in over twenty-five countries, and garnered nominations from the Hilary Weston Writers’ Trust Prize for Nonfiction, the Governor General’s Literary Awards, the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Awards, the Amazon.ca First Novel Award, the National Magazine Awards, among other honours.
Unearthing: a Story of Tangled Love and Family Secrets (2023) was a national bestseller and awarded the Governor General’s Literary Award for Nonfiction. Her hybrid memoir Birds Art Life (2017) was a #1 National Bestseller and winner of the Trillium Book Award and the Nautilus Book Award for Lyrical Prose. It was named one of the best books of 2017 by The Globe and Mail, CBC, Now Magazine, the National Post, Forbes, the Chicago Review of Books, and Book Riot.
Her work has appeared in Orion Magazine, Brick, Border Crossings, The Millions, LitHub, The Volta, Prefix Photo, Resilience, The Guardian, Lion’s Roar, Azure, The Globe and Mail, and elsewhere. She has been a national arts reviewer for Canadian Art and a monthly arts columnist for Toronto Life.
Kyo holds a doctorate in environmental humanities teaches creative writing with The Humber School for Writers and the University of Guelph Creative Writing MFA.
She lives in Tkaronto/Toronto, on the traditional territories of the Mississaugas of the New Credit, the Haudenosaunee, Métis, and the Huron-Wendat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
October 29, 2022
Kumo the cloud suffers from social anxiety and low self-esteem. This story, written by Kyo Maclear, shows how Kumo finds joy after being forced to complete a task that proves her existence matters. Kumo the Bashful Cloud is a peaceful bedtime book for the preschool set that I could see being gifted to new parents at baby showers. There's nothing to dislike in its warm-and-fuzzy, universally appealing message. Unfortunately, though, such a message in children's books is also trite by now, and Maclear doesn't make up for the triteness with an imaginative tale. Nathalie Dion's beautiful, ethereal illustrations so completely steal the show that the book could possibly stand out more if it were a wordless story.
NOTE: I received this as a complimentary finished copy from LibraryThing's Early Reviewers program in October 2022.
NOTE: I received this as a complimentary finished copy from LibraryThing's Early Reviewers program in October 2022.
May 15, 2023
According to the publisher, this book is "a touching love letter to wallflowers, daydreamers and bashful clouds everywhere."
Am I the only person with a rich inner life who dislikes the patronizing stories that attempt to fix us? Such as "love letters" from people who don't even know us, but are quite sure they have figured us out and have kind plans for our rehabilitation.
Although this book really-really isn't for me, I give it FIVE STARS. Since I'm not the intended audience. Meanwhile, this fable about a bashful cloud going on "Cloud Duty" just might help somebody who identifies with being this particular kind of cloud. (I mean, kind of human.)
Am I the only person with a rich inner life who dislikes the patronizing stories that attempt to fix us? Such as "love letters" from people who don't even know us, but are quite sure they have figured us out and have kind plans for our rehabilitation.
Although this book really-really isn't for me, I give it FIVE STARS. Since I'm not the intended audience. Meanwhile, this fable about a bashful cloud going on "Cloud Duty" just might help somebody who identifies with being this particular kind of cloud. (I mean, kind of human.)
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June 18, 2022
A traveling cloud with a job to do
and a whole world to visit.
A beautiful story illustrated with an art that feels magical ✨
and a whole world to visit.
A beautiful story illustrated with an art that feels magical ✨
December 17, 2022
I am a fan of Kyo Maclear's work, and so when I saw this i picked it up from the library. So it's an introvert story, pretty common now, about a "bashful" cloud who needs to learn to connect better with other clouds. And (spoiler alert, surprise) does! The story is longish, meandering, not original, and the art is sort of ethereal, watercolors of clouds, mainly.
January 2, 2023
Loved the gorgeous artwork, but the story execution missed the mark for me even though I appreciate its message. A sweet and cute read nevertheless.
September 15, 2022
This book cured my depression gracias Mari
December 3, 2022
I was very charmed by this book. The illustrations were so beautiful and it made me wish that I was a bashful cloud in the sky. I also appreciated the Japanese translations at the end!
April 7, 2022
A calm and pleasant read – certainly one that's very pretty to look at – but one that feels a touch ineffectual. A lonely little cloud is just too shy to go about where she can be seen – but enjoys it once she takes the plunge, gets her head above the parapet and finds friends. Is the intent of the book really obvious to the very young reader it's aimed at? I'm unconvinced, hence my thought that it's a diversion more than anything. If it does work as a lesson about shyness, then I'm all for it being considered, for it has some visual class I enjoyed. If it works, four stars – but I'd rather hedge my bets with my feeling of doubt about it being successful.
October 27, 2022
"For a moment, Kumo forgot all about herself."
Kumo is shy. She's always flown above her friends Cumulus and Cirrus. But when they have to go away, she finds herself all alone. During her day of solitude, she flies across the sky, serving as imaginary inspiration, acting as a helping hand, and admiring all the beauty she was unable to see from so high above. When she finds other clouds just like her, she wonders if they'll enjoy her company...and they do!
This is a beautiful picture book, with relaxing and soft illustrations and a slice of life story. All about coming into one's own and finding joy in solace and in others, Kumo is perfect for someone about to try something new.
Kumo is shy. She's always flown above her friends Cumulus and Cirrus. But when they have to go away, she finds herself all alone. During her day of solitude, she flies across the sky, serving as imaginary inspiration, acting as a helping hand, and admiring all the beauty she was unable to see from so high above. When she finds other clouds just like her, she wonders if they'll enjoy her company...and they do!
This is a beautiful picture book, with relaxing and soft illustrations and a slice of life story. All about coming into one's own and finding joy in solace and in others, Kumo is perfect for someone about to try something new.
December 31, 2023
Kumo, meaning cloud in Japanese, does not want to be seen. She fears being criticized or pointed at. But clouds should be seen, especially because besides doing the important work of providing rain and shade, clouds can heal a young person’s concerns about being small through becoming a focus for dreaming. Written for children ages 4 - 8, Kumo: the Bashful Cloud is a truly delightful read.
Kumo’s creator Kyo Maclear allows the cloud to find friends and allay her own fears, conditions important especially for young children. Natalie Dion’s colorful, impressionistic illustrations, filled with soft and calming shapes, are a second option for young readers’ dreamy thoughts. An excellent selection for adults reading to children and young readers alike.
Kumo’s creator Kyo Maclear allows the cloud to find friends and allay her own fears, conditions important especially for young children. Natalie Dion’s colorful, impressionistic illustrations, filled with soft and calming shapes, are a second option for young readers’ dreamy thoughts. An excellent selection for adults reading to children and young readers alike.
April 22, 2022
Love, Love, Loved! Kumo by Kyo Maclear is just a beautiful book, the illustrations by Nathalie Dion are endearing. What a beautiful story, I loved the science of it, with the use of the clouds Cumulus and Cirrus, I loved the part of the love letter, that brought true joy into my voice as I read it aloud, and when the "...sunset clouds turned over..." what a thoughtful way to describe how the night sky appears. Loved this book!
May 24, 2022
I really enjoyed the dreamy illustrations and slow, almost meditative pace of this picture book. Kumo is a shy cloud who doesn't like being the center of attention, but she learns to enjoy her experience, and even makes a few cloud friends. I'm not sure if 'Kumo' would hold my first grader's attention, but I'm sure more introspective children would relish this book.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.
April 9, 2022
Kumo, written by Kyo Maclear and illustrated by Nathalie Dion, is quiet and cute little book, a soothing pre-bedtime read in both look and language. It tells the story of a shy little cloud, Kumo, who “for many years” only wished to “float unseen.” But when one cloud is “under the weather” and another is off to a cloud convention, Kumo has to take over “cloud duty — to shade and shower those below.”
She’s more than a little hesitant, her mind “heavy with doubt,” and truth be told she struggles just a little at the start, getting stuck. But thanks to a friendly kite and gust of wind she’s off “drift[ing] over noise cities … cross[ing] a warm lake, lapping water as she went, “and more. She sends down some rain, provides from shade, watches over a daydreaming boy with “his head in the clouds,” and even meets some fellow clouds whom she joins for a while. Finally, night falls, and “all the sunset cloud turned over, and their backs were midnight blue.”
It's a gentle story, quiet as noted. The language is simple and pleasurable, if not particularly lyrical or lingering. It mostly has a nice rhythm to it. I thought perhaps a bit more could have been done both stylistically and with experiences, and at one point when she lets “tears of rain” fall, I wondered why “tears” and what sort of questions that might raise in children. But it’s certainly a solid story language wise. The artwork is equally gentle and soothing, soften and pastel, and the billowing cloud shapes are nicely done. It’s a nice book to simply look at, and children I think will fall into the art’s quiet spell
She’s more than a little hesitant, her mind “heavy with doubt,” and truth be told she struggles just a little at the start, getting stuck. But thanks to a friendly kite and gust of wind she’s off “drift[ing] over noise cities … cross[ing] a warm lake, lapping water as she went, “and more. She sends down some rain, provides from shade, watches over a daydreaming boy with “his head in the clouds,” and even meets some fellow clouds whom she joins for a while. Finally, night falls, and “all the sunset cloud turned over, and their backs were midnight blue.”
It's a gentle story, quiet as noted. The language is simple and pleasurable, if not particularly lyrical or lingering. It mostly has a nice rhythm to it. I thought perhaps a bit more could have been done both stylistically and with experiences, and at one point when she lets “tears of rain” fall, I wondered why “tears” and what sort of questions that might raise in children. But it’s certainly a solid story language wise. The artwork is equally gentle and soothing, soften and pastel, and the billowing cloud shapes are nicely done. It’s a nice book to simply look at, and children I think will fall into the art’s quiet spell
October 20, 2022
I won this book at LibraryThing in exchange for an honest review.
“Kumo had found a small boy with his head in the clouds.” That sentence and the illustrations that accompany it made the book for me. I loved that part!
I think that this story will appeal to readers/listeners who enjoy watching clouds, as I did as a kid and sometimes still do. It will be most liked by introspective children who don’t need a lot of action in their stories.
The illustrations are appropriately fuzzy, foggy, muted. I wasn’t wild about when the clouds had faces but enjoyed most of the other pictures.
I’m not wild about anthropomorphizing animals and I’m even less enthusiastic about anthropomorphizing clouds and if this story is supposed to help children with shyness and/or anxiety or facing challenges I don’t know how effective it will be. It’s not the most scintillating story, but it is a nice, quiet and lovely little story. I can see having fun reading it to a few kids I know and I think that they will enjoy it. It might make good bedtime reading.
In the back of the book there is a short glossary that lists the definitions of the 4 Japanese words used in the story.
I read it a few times and doing that brought up my rating from 3-1/2 or 3 to a solid 4.
“Kumo had found a small boy with his head in the clouds.” That sentence and the illustrations that accompany it made the book for me. I loved that part!
I think that this story will appeal to readers/listeners who enjoy watching clouds, as I did as a kid and sometimes still do. It will be most liked by introspective children who don’t need a lot of action in their stories.
The illustrations are appropriately fuzzy, foggy, muted. I wasn’t wild about when the clouds had faces but enjoyed most of the other pictures.
I’m not wild about anthropomorphizing animals and I’m even less enthusiastic about anthropomorphizing clouds and if this story is supposed to help children with shyness and/or anxiety or facing challenges I don’t know how effective it will be. It’s not the most scintillating story, but it is a nice, quiet and lovely little story. I can see having fun reading it to a few kids I know and I think that they will enjoy it. It might make good bedtime reading.
In the back of the book there is a short glossary that lists the definitions of the 4 Japanese words used in the story.
I read it a few times and doing that brought up my rating from 3-1/2 or 3 to a solid 4.
November 28, 2022
Kumo is a creative story about a cloud who unwittingly travels on a journey and learns her place in the world. The writing is rhythmic with inspired word choice: "Her hopes of remaining soft and invisible evaporated." Kumo makes connections on her journey and there is a sweet moment when a boy draws a picture of her in sidewalk chalk, a love letter. Other clouds are named Cumulus and Cirrus, giving scientific names. Kumo is the Japanese word for cloud. A glossary and pronunciation guide at the back of the book covers all the Japanese words mentioned in the book. My only issue with the story happens when Kumo gets stuck in a tree and needs help getting out. It seemed as if all the other plot events were realistic for a cloud except that one. It seemed out of place. A small squabble for a book full of positive, peaceful messages to enjoy life and find where you belong. The drawings fit this tone of the book with pastel colors and soft airy shapes. Kumo's facial expressions are adorable.
I received an Early Reader copy through Library Thing in exchange for an honest review.
I received an Early Reader copy through Library Thing in exchange for an honest review.
March 30, 2022
This book tells the story of Kumo, a shy cloud, who wants to stay alone in the sky. When forced to face her shyness and do her duties as a cloud she learns that there are others out there in the world she might like to get to know. Teaching readers that there can be benefits from facing your fears and letting yourself be vulnerable, this book contains both a beautiful story and also an important lesson. With beautiful illustrations, especially of the fluffy clouds, as well as limited text, about 1-2 sentences per double page, this book is sure to capture the interest of young readers in the age 3-7 age range. As a teacher, I also appreciate that weather (science) terms such as cumulus are used throughout, offering opportunities for curriculum connections on top of the already obvious mental health and mindset lessons this book can inspire. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this beautiful book!
April 19, 2022
Kumo is the beautiful story of a shy cloud and overcoming their fears of being seen.
Not only is the artwork in this story book absolutely stunning but I don't know if I have ever related to a book to this level. On almost every page there was somethign which I could relate to and link to a specific event in my own life.
I was a pre-teen when I experienced those experiences that I can relate to this book but I think introducing that these are normal feelings and that they do eventually go away is a great message to be sharing with younger children.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this ebook.
Not only is the artwork in this story book absolutely stunning but I don't know if I have ever related to a book to this level. On almost every page there was somethign which I could relate to and link to a specific event in my own life.
I was a pre-teen when I experienced those experiences that I can relate to this book but I think introducing that these are normal feelings and that they do eventually go away is a great message to be sharing with younger children.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this ebook.
November 18, 2022
A lovely gentle story of a cloud who is called upon for "cloud duty" when Cumulus is under the weather and cirrus attends a cloud convention. Shy and self-conscious at first, Kumo just wants to stay hidden. They express all the normals emotions that are universal self-doubt emotions: will I be good enough.... But as the day progresses, Kumo's confidence increases with fond responses from people on the earth. In the end Kumo even receives a "Love Letter" of sorts, from a child who draws their picture in chalk. The gossamer pastel illustrations tell much of Kumo's story alongside sparse text.
June 27, 2024
A heartwarming book about the importance of friendship and self-esteem. As other reviewers have mentioned, the second half of the story is a bit more disjointed and I found certain parts to be slightly confusing. Nonetheless, the message of building confidence and community is important and well-portrayed. The artwork is beautiful and helps to carry the story. The book would make a lovely addition to any child fiction collection.
I was provided a free advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program. This in no way influences my review.
I was provided a free advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program. This in no way influences my review.
April 28, 2022
This is an adorable book by Kyo Maclear! Thank you to the author and publisher for a free copy in exhange for an honest review!
This follows the adventurous day of Kumo, a small cloud that just wants to laze and float happily unseen. On this adventurous day, Kumo is the only cloud available for cloud duty!
The illustrations are full and dreamy, and the story itself is beautiful, and has a richness about it. There isn't a true main goal, rather we're just taking a moment of peace to follow Kumo throughout their day.
Loved this simple, sweet story!
This follows the adventurous day of Kumo, a small cloud that just wants to laze and float happily unseen. On this adventurous day, Kumo is the only cloud available for cloud duty!
The illustrations are full and dreamy, and the story itself is beautiful, and has a richness about it. There isn't a true main goal, rather we're just taking a moment of peace to follow Kumo throughout their day.
Loved this simple, sweet story!
July 14, 2022
Representation: 10
Story: 10
Illustration: 10
Kumo – The Bashful Cloud is a beautiful picture book. Not only are the illustrations stunning, the text simple to read to and by children, and a very relatable main character, Kumo lends itself to many different areas of learning: Math, Language, Social-Emotional Skills, Art, and Science.
It is a book that will be read many times over. I am excited to purchase it for my classroom.
** Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review. **
Story: 10
Illustration: 10
Kumo – The Bashful Cloud is a beautiful picture book. Not only are the illustrations stunning, the text simple to read to and by children, and a very relatable main character, Kumo lends itself to many different areas of learning: Math, Language, Social-Emotional Skills, Art, and Science.
It is a book that will be read many times over. I am excited to purchase it for my classroom.
** Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review. **
April 6, 2022
A sweet, calm story of a shy cloud who wishes to be "unseen" is one day given cloud duty. Pulling all her fluff about her, Kumo gathered the strength/confidence needed to do her job. The bashful cloud discovered that "being seen" is alright, and learns that helping others is rewarding. Cleverly written by Kyo Maclear with a few Japanese words interspersed, a short glossary in the back. Recommended for classroom/school libraries. Beautifully illustrated by Nathalie Dion.
October 25, 2022
This lovely book magically appeared in my mailbox this week. While I don't know whence it came, I'm delighted to add it to my children's library!
Kumo is a small cloud who is happy to hide behind others, until one day it has to do the whole job by itself! Beautiful illustrations, and a lovely "soft" story that has a gentle arc. Not, I think for a large story circle, but definitely for cuddle story time with a few children.
Kumo is a small cloud who is happy to hide behind others, until one day it has to do the whole job by itself! Beautiful illustrations, and a lovely "soft" story that has a gentle arc. Not, I think for a large story circle, but definitely for cuddle story time with a few children.
December 17, 2022
'Kumo: The Bashful Cloud' by Kyo Maclear with illustrations by Nathalie Dion is a picture book about a bashful cloud (kumo means cloud in Japanese).
Kumo would prefer to remain unseen until she is assigned cloud duty. Her self-doubt starts her day badly, but Kumo pulls herself together and does cloud things (rain, shelter, etc.), and even makes a friend along the way.
This was a lovely story of being bashful and overcoming it. The illustrations are also really nice.
Kumo would prefer to remain unseen until she is assigned cloud duty. Her self-doubt starts her day badly, but Kumo pulls herself together and does cloud things (rain, shelter, etc.), and even makes a friend along the way.
This was a lovely story of being bashful and overcoming it. The illustrations are also really nice.
June 21, 2022
Kumo the Bashful Cloud was a cute picture book that takes you on an adventure with a little cloud doing cloud duty on her own. You get to see what she sees and experience all of her emotions throughout the day. The descriptions gave me a calm feeling while I was reading. I would recommend this book to my students.
July 21, 2022
Kumo is a bashful little cloud called upon to do cloud duty one day. She does *not* feel up to the task but sets out bravely nonetheless. After some false starts she gradually gathers confidence and makes some friends along the way. A gentle tale gorgeously illustrated by Nathalie Dion in pastel hues, it offers reassurance to the bashful amongst us.
September 14, 2022
Soft, dreamy visuals accompany the story of Kumo the cloud, who must find her confidence and fly alone above cities and forests. Kumo travels far, seeing many things, including a boy by himself, imagining shapes in the clouds above him.
It's a beautiful, sweet little story.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Penguin Random House Canada for this ARC in exchange for my review.
It's a beautiful, sweet little story.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Penguin Random House Canada for this ARC in exchange for my review.
October 17, 2022
A dreamy, gorgeously illustrated story of a cloud who is too bashful to be the only cloud in the sky but, when called up for cloud duty, ends up loving their journey through the world, admiring all the sights there are to see!
Themes: Clouds, Journey, Around the World
Age range: Toddler-Kindergarten
Themes: Clouds, Journey, Around the World
Age range: Toddler-Kindergarten
March 11, 2023
The illustration is a mix of traditional and digital painting, cut and transformed in Photoshop--absolutely lovely. Very atmospheric mostly in the sky with softness and matte colors that fit the text. There are some wonderful illustrations of a city scape, town square, mountains, and trees. This is a gentle read for any child who has felt shy or wanted to hide behind something.
April 16, 2022
ARC Copy...It was beautiful soft and gentle both in illustration style and word choice. Liked the cloud is having coming of age anxiety like young children would and Kumo does make floating up in the clouds a soothing experience.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews