Cloud Babies: Sometimes All We Need to Do Is Look Up
Eoin Colfer, Author
Chris Judge, Illustrator
Candlewick, Fiction, Apr. 11, 2023
Suitable for ages: 5-9
Themes: Childhood Illness, Clouds, Imagination, Family
Opening: ” Erin’s very first word was cat. “Did you say ‘cat’ honey?” said Dad. “I don’t see a cat.” But then Dad looked up and he saw it, too — a cat! “Your very own cloud baby,” said Dad.
Publisher’s Synopsis:
Six-year-old Erin’s favorite game is spotting animals in the clouds with her mom and dad—everything from fluffy foxes and polar bears to little rabbits. Even when Erin falls very ill and has to spend a long time in the hospital, she still manages to find joy in spying “cloud babies” through the window with her new hospital friends. When the doctor tells Erin she can go home, she is so excited! But being back at school is not at all what she expected—so much has changed, and Erin must reconcile the safe realm she’s just left with a world outside that has become unfamiliar. With Mom and Dad’s love and wisdom, however, and with the help of her teacher and friends, Erin comes to see that by sharing her experience she can find happiness again in just being herself. Sensitively told and vibrantly brought to life, Cloud Babies brings recognition and comfort to children facing illness or hardship, as well as guidance to those who wish to offer support but may not know where to start.
What I think:
Eoin Coffer has written a compassionate and imaginative picture book for children who are ill or are differently abled. Who doesn’t like to gaze at the sky and search for cloud pictures.. Coffer cleverly brings Erin’s hospital and school friends together which is a bridge in Erin’s recovery. This book is a gem. It is gorgeously illustrated by Chris Judge. It is a heartwarming story based on Judge’s family experience with childhood illness. And the children’s pictures are playfully painted by Judge’s children. Make sure you check out the front and back endpapers for more cloud babies.
This would also be an entertaining read for any child. iMost of us remember a time when we layed in the grass and looked to the skies and spotted clouds that took a familiar form. I find myself searching the skies when for pictures when the clouds are perfect.
Resources: The book is a wonderful resource. Perfectfor spring outdoor activities. Ask children to paint clouds on paper and draw faces of what they see. Or use cottonballs and shape into picture forms and glue to a sheet of paper. Have fun!
Eoin Colfer, New York Times best-selling author of the children’s fantasy series Artemis Fowl. His other notable books include Half Moon Investigations, Airman, and The Supernaturalist. The recipient of many awards, he lives in Ireland.
Chris Judge is the author-illustrator of The Lonely Beast, The Brave Beast, and the Snow Beast and the illustrator of the Danger Is Everywhere series by David O’Doherty. He lives in Dublin. You can find more of Chris Judge’s cloud babies on Instagram @adailycloud.
Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books (PPB) with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s website.
*Review copy provided by Candlewick in exchange for a review.