The Cloud

by Hannah Cumming

Everyone has bad days, and children are no exception. When a black cloud descends on a little girl at school, support from a classmate with a great deal of imagination helps to brighten up everyone's lives. The atmospheric illustrations really tell the story in this delightful picture book from a new author/illustrator.

Genres: Picture Books, Friendship, Childrens, Mental Health, Emotion, School

32 pages, Paperback

First published June 7, 2010

Reviews

[Orla Bourke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book because it is simple but demonstrates such an important message. It is about a little girl who is sad and isolated in her art class. Another child in the class desperately wanted to include her so persisted in many ways until she finally got the girl to smile. From then on, the girl felt accepted and made friends with everyone.
There is a black cloud above the little girls head throughout the book. There are also back scribbles across the pages which again show her emotion. As the little girl starts feeling less sad, more colour is introduced on the pages through the illustrations. This signifies her mood being lifted.
I really like the message of this book. It highlights that not everyone feels okay all of the time, but with patience and kindness, we can start feeling happier.
This book would be ideal for conversations around friendships, social situations and loneliness.

[Katie Mote · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely simple book with very little text and yet the message is so clear. Its about a little girl who has a cloud over her head and struggles to spend time with other children or focus on her work because sometimes this can all feel a little too hard. And yet the joy of another little girl in the class spending time with her, not giving up on her, being caring and gentle, and slowly making her feel better. We then see at the end of the story how the cloud has nearly disappeared, that the children are all working together and including everyone. Simple but clear, allowing children to see the importance of being kind to everyone, not giving up on others and looking out for one another. It would be interesting to talk to children about what they think about the cloud. What they would do in the situation

[SarahEmily1990 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful story about an unhappy little girl and her friend's persistence in trying to make her happy again. A lovely and easy to understand portrayal of depression (I believe)

[Stanlee Uy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant book to read for introducing art lessons as it centres around art anxiety or just anxiety in general and how art can be a reflective process. Also highlights about being kind and friendly to each other in class.

[Missus B's Picture Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

A young girl attends art class, but is isolated from her peers and has a dark cloud hovering above her. One child in the group decides she wants to reach out and befriend the girl. It takes time....but soon the little dark cloud diminishes. The story is simple, yet the book offers opportunities to consider social situations, discuss feelings, talk about friendships and think about the importance of reaching out to others. The simplicity of the story can appeal to younger children, while it's core message can enhance the emotional learning of young school go-ers and older children. Read more from me and see a short video review here:http://missusbspicturebookreviews.blo...

[Alison Wickham · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little girl who has isolated herself within school. The feeling of isolation and loneliness is described as a black cloud. Slowly another child tries to include her through art. Could be used when children feel alone or uninspired to allow them to understand the feeling. A lovely moral of inclusion and friendship.

[Barbra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Everyone in Art class was enjoying drawing except for one girl. Her canvas was blank and she seemed to be in a very bad mood. When one of her classmates notices and decides to approach her it doesn't go well, at first. But she doesn't give up and presents a plan to work together. Once the rest of the class sees how much fun cooperation can be they merge their drawings together for very interesting results. A cute story with fun cartoon illustrations that will open up the topic of friendship, kindness and acceptance.

[Jessica Sharland · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story leads me to believe that the 'black cloud' is the build up of things going on in children's heads that could affect their work. When it gets built up it prevents them from doing their work or completely rejects work.
Also it celebrates difference that everyone works closely.
Th books also celebrates the theme of friendships and how you can work collaboratively to support each other.

[Aimée · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alle Kinder malen im Unterricht bunte Bilder, nur eins nicht, das hat eine schwarze Wolke über sich hängen. Eine Mitschülerin ist motiviert, der Wolke den Kampf anzusagen und versucht, eine Freundschaft aufzubauen. Nach und nach machen auch die anderen Kinder mit und die schwarze Wolke wird kleiner... Nicht so fröhlich wie die anderen Titel, aber dafür mit wichtigem Thema.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good example of becoming friends and learning to draw as buddies in an art class together!

[Rebecca Caufman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story about being friends...even to people who it might be a little tricky to get them engaged.

[Mireille Abbots-Vergnaud · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a lovely book to teach younger children about friendship. I especially liked the end of this story, the little girl with the cloud over her head made me smile with her drawings!

[Gözde · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aslında üç bile verilmez, yani bence tabi. Öncelikle Çıtır'dan sonra okumamalıydım bunu bence beklentim çok yükseldi çünkü. Çizimleri beğenmedim, ana fikir güzel ama fazla karanlıktı sanki. Ya da ben bir masal kitabında grilik istemedim bilemiyorum.

[Marilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

One girl in art class only draws a black scribble. Through time she gains a friend and her scribble is put to more artistic purposes (car exhaust, sheep's wool). Cute spin on change of heart story.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Optimistic

[Brindi Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

art or drawing theme for PSST

[dete · Rating 4 out of 5]

де да беше толкова лесно.