This book was adorable! ( )

This book is written in a way that allows young children to grasp the understanding behind it and the illustrations, which are beautiful to look at, help emphasize the story and bring about an understanding how being shy is okay yet provides ways for a child to learn how they can overcome their shyness. Highly recommend this book for children who have a natural shyness about them.

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. Specifically, there is a scene where another cloud points out what is called "a love letter" to Kumo in the form of chalk drawings on pavement. It's implied that a little boy who is referenced earlier in the story made these drawings, as it seems he is the only person who can see Kumo, however, it is a rather abrupt change from the previous message of Kumo finding confidence in their role as a cloud. 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. ( )

The watercolors are well done but the story seems a little lacking. The first run through with the grandkids left a "but now what" feeling. Later readings felt a little more complete, but this is a book that seems to rely heavily on the art a less on the story.

This book has really beautiful artwork. The book begins with Kumo's shyness and then her slowly finding her role as a cloud. She makes friends with people as she helps shade them, waters the fields, etc and with the other clouds as well finding she has more confidence. But then unfortunately the second half of the book is kind of hard to follow and goes in a different direction instead of building on this and bringing this all together. It was disappointing to find the book a little disjointed. It needs a little more to have a more consistent narrative that makes sense. ( )