The Cloud Book

What more do you need to say? It's a Tomie de Paola book. He's definitely one of the better writers/illustrators out there. "The Cloud Book" is a good, first introduction to the science behind clouds while at the same time entertaining the children. Teachers and parents should buy this book!

The Cloud Book is an informative book about clouds, which can be used to integrate reading and science. In this book, the author uses funny illustrations to introduce types of clouds, along with their specific characteristics. The book also includes an index, so that the reader can look for a particular cloud. Also included are different culture's views on clouds and their meanings.

The facts presented correspond with information that is deemed scientifically correct, but the author does not cite a source. The information is up-to-date, and the illustrations do not look dated. There is a clear distinction between scientific fact and the theories of different people groups.

The information is structured well. The book explains how clouds are formed, then examines each cloud type and its characteristics. Each cloud type is compared to objects that are easily identifiable. The index, which lists the cloud types in alphabetical order, is very helpful.

The illustrations, along with the text, intertwine fact with humor. The cartoon style lends itself to exaggeration. The style of the text is also comical. It is clearly for younger children, but an adult reader would also enjoy reading this aloud. The author also illustrates idioms about fog and clouds, painting a humorous view of the English language. The book is concluded with a "Very Silly Cloud Story," which is nonsensical.

Classroom Activity: After completing the story, the students will make cloud journals, in which they will chart clouds for an entire week. Students will write about cloud types, cloud shapes, questions about clouds and other observations.

Age Group: This book can be read aloud to 2nd through 3rd graders, with independent reading recommended for 4th graders.

We found this unexpected treasure of a book for free a few years ago. As homeschoolers, we are always looking for unique resources. This book made my son laugh so hard at the end (the cloud story), he quoted it for days after. The wonderful thing is, it is accurate & full of solid Scientific facts...... but along with it there are stories woven in, cloud idioms are introduced, humor is infused. There is a wholeness to his approach that truly encompasses the curiosity & inclusiveness that children who love Science possess. He gets it. I wish all authors of children’s Science books did.

This book is very informative about clouds. My 4th graders liked the illustrations. If you want to use this book as an Accelerated Reader book, be aware that the quiz is very specific. This is not a book that your students can read once or twice and pass the quiz. They need to know each kind of cloud and their descriptions. This book provides that, but the content is hard for students to remember if they haven't been studying it.

Great book!

Love this story!

I used this book for my grade 2 literacy book that incorporated a science activity. It has great artwork and gives simple understanding of the what is it, what does it do, and hows of cloud types (which are part of framework and benchmarks). It also tells of what other cultures and times thought of the clouds. Overall a great book with great real-life comparisons.

Awesome book! Buy it, you won't regret it! Our 6 year old loves it and we all learned a lot from this adorable book! Definitely a family favorite!

I have always loved this book since I was little! Teaches you about clouds and weather simply!

Charming drawings,but second part of book, vocabulary too advanced for little ones.