Confession: I was totally sucked into this book because the main character, Cloudette, is just so cute. So I’ll start this review by saying well done to author and illustrator Tom Lichtenheld for creating the irresistible and endearing Cloudette.

 

Cloudette is essentially a story about the important business of being a cloud. Cloudette is a little cloud with big dreams and while she sees advantages in her small size (such as being in the ‘front row’ for watching fireworks) she’s aware that she doesn’t impact on the weather in the way her larger cloud companions can. A thunderstorm and a meeting with a frog in a dry pond gives Cloudette the opportunity to learn what can be achieved when you can make the most of what you have.

Lichtenheld’s gorgeous illustrations bring Cloudette to life – she’s friendly but also a little shy, she’s brave, playful, determined and did I mention cute? For readers doubting just how cute a cloud can be, Lichtenheld has included a handy size comparison of Cloudette and an average sized cloud at the beginning of the book.

I really like Lichtenheld’s writing style – the easy banter, the occasional wordplay (for example a squirrel who says “That’s nutty.”) and the use of some ‘big’ words (such as ‘prodigious’ and ‘precipitation’) really appeal.

Check out the book trailer video below for a sweet introduction to Cloudette.

Cloudette is suitable for children aged three and over. It’s available from Book Depository for $17.52. Book Depository delivers free to Australia.