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Ploof
Paint with Ploof
Have you met Ploof? The friendly cloud full of feelings returns in an all new interactive picture book for fans of Hervé Tullet's Mix It Up!, from the creator of Narwhal and Jelly and the co-creator of Science Explorers.
Ploof is a little cloud who's eager to make their first rainbow! But how? With your help, of course! Can you help Ploof find the right shape? Mix colors? Fly high to paint? Cheer Ploof on through the ups and downs of trying something new, follow along with some calming breathing exercises and find a new perspective!
Just as full of imaginative, interactive fun as the first book in the series, each page offers readers from preschooler age and beyond a chance to play and learn in tandem, exploring social-emotional skills along the way. Young readers will be delighted to see the effects of their actions as they join a colorful rainbow quest and paint with Ploof!
Ploof is a little cloud who's eager to make their first rainbow! But how? With your help, of course! Can you help Ploof find the right shape? Mix colors? Fly high to paint? Cheer Ploof on through the ups and downs of trying something new, follow along with some calming breathing exercises and find a new perspective!
Just as full of imaginative, interactive fun as the first book in the series, each page offers readers from preschooler age and beyond a chance to play and learn in tandem, exploring social-emotional skills along the way. Young readers will be delighted to see the effects of their actions as they join a colorful rainbow quest and paint with Ploof!
56 pages, Hardcover
Published October 29, 2024
2 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
About the author
Ben Clanton
61 books448 followersBen Clanton is the author/illustrator of the Narwhal and Jelly series as well as a number of other books as IT CAME IN THE MAIL, MO'S MUSTACHE, and TATER TALES. When Ben isn't doodling up stories (and often when he is) he likes to cook, explore outdoors, and play basketball. Ben lives in Seattle, WA with his wife and kids. Find out more about Ben at www.benclanton.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
June 23, 2025
This was ridiculously adorable, omg. 😭💞
May 12, 2024
Ploof the cloud is always super fun and interactive. This new book is about Ploof creating its first rainbow. Despite a few obstacles, Ploof finally makes its first rainbow and it's wonderful!
March 14, 2025
Interactive fun - though there are several pages that would be difficult to do with a storytime crowd since they ask you to find something in the illustrations, which are not huge.
October 10, 2025
My daughter loves interacting with Ploof so much. I love that this book helps her process feelings, learn to take deep breaths, and most important have fun along the way.
December 30, 2024
Paint with Ploof by Ben Clanton and Andy Chou Musser is an interactive book aimed to be read aloud with preschoolers. With that in mind, it hits the mark as the young reader gets to help the cloud, Ploof, make a rainbow. There are general interactions like waving hello, more cognitive interactions like mixing the colors yellow and blue, and emotional interactions like saying something to Ploof when s/he is sad and helping him/her practice breathing in and out. Young readers should be able to connect and empathize with Ploof. The illustrations bring forth a happy feel through soft, rainbowy pastel colors. Let's just say it, Ploof is adorable.
For purists, I will note that Ploof paints a rainbow without indigo. There are only six colors in Ploof's rainbow. Again, this is, I am sure, due to the age of the audience.
The binding of this book is a bit different. It's a cross between a board book and hardback picture book. The outside is made of the same hard material as board books, but the inside pages are like those of a hardback. It seems fitting for the age as it's durable for the preschooler and contains more story than a board book would provide.
If you've enjoyed the other Ploof books, this should be a must-read.
I received an advanced copy of this book through LibraryThings Early Readers program and Tundra books in exchange for an honest review.
For purists, I will note that Ploof paints a rainbow without indigo. There are only six colors in Ploof's rainbow. Again, this is, I am sure, due to the age of the audience.
The binding of this book is a bit different. It's a cross between a board book and hardback picture book. The outside is made of the same hard material as board books, but the inside pages are like those of a hardback. It seems fitting for the age as it's durable for the preschooler and contains more story than a board book would provide.
If you've enjoyed the other Ploof books, this should be a must-read.
I received an advanced copy of this book through LibraryThings Early Readers program and Tundra books in exchange for an honest review.
June 18, 2024
Netgalley Review
The writing was fun and engaging. At some points the narrator spoke directly to you as the reader and sometimes to the main character, Ploof. It made you feel part of the story. I enjoyed the directions that we were given in order to interact with the book.
Some of the vocabulary used was at quite a high level, so it was definitely a story to be read to a younger child. I liked that though as again it made everyone feel part of the story.
The text was in a clear font and was split between being separate from the illustrations and on a white background, and at other points it was integrated into the story and was on a light blue background. Sometimes there was the odd word separated from the main text to add interest, but it was always clear where you should read.
The illustrations were cute and added to the enjoyment of the story. They were simple, bright and clear which meant that your attention was where it should be and not getting confused by lots of detail.
I loved the main character and I liked the little lessons that were touched upon in the book.
Overall an entertaining, interactive read that I highly recommend.
The writing was fun and engaging. At some points the narrator spoke directly to you as the reader and sometimes to the main character, Ploof. It made you feel part of the story. I enjoyed the directions that we were given in order to interact with the book.
Some of the vocabulary used was at quite a high level, so it was definitely a story to be read to a younger child. I liked that though as again it made everyone feel part of the story.
The text was in a clear font and was split between being separate from the illustrations and on a white background, and at other points it was integrated into the story and was on a light blue background. Sometimes there was the odd word separated from the main text to add interest, but it was always clear where you should read.
The illustrations were cute and added to the enjoyment of the story. They were simple, bright and clear which meant that your attention was where it should be and not getting confused by lots of detail.
I loved the main character and I liked the little lessons that were touched upon in the book.
Overall an entertaining, interactive read that I highly recommend.
April 20, 2024
I won’t lie, I went into reading Ben Clanton’s PaInt with Ploof with very low expectations, thinking it would probably just be a fun and silly book about a cloud painting. But my oh my, was I quite pleasantly surprised by the unique story and uplifting teaching moments present in the short story.
I really think this is one of the better children’s books out there, one that will be exceptional for kiddos who have trouble dealing with their emotions. The story follows Ploof on his first journey to make a rainbow, taking the opportunity to teach a little bit about colors before things go a little awry for the tiny cloud.
The artwork was beautiful and exciting the whole way through, leaving ample opportunity to turn this read into a chance to learn about and engage in some painting along the way!
This is definitely the sort of book I would love to read to my kiddos one day.
I received an early copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really think this is one of the better children’s books out there, one that will be exceptional for kiddos who have trouble dealing with their emotions. The story follows Ploof on his first journey to make a rainbow, taking the opportunity to teach a little bit about colors before things go a little awry for the tiny cloud.
The artwork was beautiful and exciting the whole way through, leaving ample opportunity to turn this read into a chance to learn about and engage in some painting along the way!
This is definitely the sort of book I would love to read to my kiddos one day.
I received an early copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 4, 2024
I really like Ben Clanton's Narwhal and Jelly series, and this new story was impressive for a picture book!
I love how Ploof the cloud is doing something for the very first time and we the readers get to help! We're making a rainbow and there are a lot of interactive parts like choosing the right shape and colors.
It doesn't turn out perfectly like Ploof hoped and there is a sad moment of disappointment, which I loved. It's so encouraging for kids to see emotions expressed and navigated in healthy ways.
In the end, the rainbow it unique and cute and looks just like Ploof! Ploof wants to try more things with the paint and has a fun time sharing their pictures with us!
I love how Ploof the cloud is doing something for the very first time and we the readers get to help! We're making a rainbow and there are a lot of interactive parts like choosing the right shape and colors.
It doesn't turn out perfectly like Ploof hoped and there is a sad moment of disappointment, which I loved. It's so encouraging for kids to see emotions expressed and navigated in healthy ways.
In the end, the rainbow it unique and cute and looks just like Ploof! Ploof wants to try more things with the paint and has a fun time sharing their pictures with us!
September 27, 2024
I love Ben Clanton, so I was exited to receive this book as an E-ARC.
Ploof is a young cloud who is learning how to paint his first rainbow. Painting can be difficult, but after some initial struggle Ploof tries. The art work in this book is darling and will captivate young readers. I loved the little mental health elements snuck into the story. The reader comforts Ploof when he is sad, and says "It's ok to cry. We all feel sad sometimes." Ploof calms down with some deep breathes and takes another look at his first rainbow. A great book with growth mindset and problem solving elements. A solid five stars for me.
Ploof is a young cloud who is learning how to paint his first rainbow. Painting can be difficult, but after some initial struggle Ploof tries. The art work in this book is darling and will captivate young readers. I loved the little mental health elements snuck into the story. The reader comforts Ploof when he is sad, and says "It's ok to cry. We all feel sad sometimes." Ploof calms down with some deep breathes and takes another look at his first rainbow. A great book with growth mindset and problem solving elements. A solid five stars for me.
May 22, 2025
This is a fun and engaging interactive book by the “makers” of several books including the Narwhal and Jelly series. In this case we have Ploof - an artistic cloud who wishes to paint a rainbow. Things do not quite go as planned - but of course, there is a good message that the story conveys. The colorful illustrations are very cute and very kid-friendly (adults will find them adorable as well). The thick-stock paper - more like a boardbook - adds some durabilty for the very young readers who might be encouraged both to play along with the story and perhaps give their artistic abilities a try!
June 12, 2025
OMG, this was so cute and fun!
This is a magnificent book because it touches on shapes, colors, persistence/learning new things, and emotions!!
The page with all the extra rainbow drawings was my favorite because it had pretty much all my favorite things--kittycorn, unicorn, narwhal, ghost, alien, lion, sheep, and more!
I've always loved Ben Clanton's illustration style.
This would be a great storytime book because it encourages a lot of audience participation and says hello and goodbye.
2025 Staff Summer Reading Challenge
- Read a book from the Summer Reading Recommendations list (any age group).
- Read a book with a cover you love.
This is a magnificent book because it touches on shapes, colors, persistence/learning new things, and emotions!!
The page with all the extra rainbow drawings was my favorite because it had pretty much all my favorite things--kittycorn, unicorn, narwhal, ghost, alien, lion, sheep, and more!
I've always loved Ben Clanton's illustration style.
This would be a great storytime book because it encourages a lot of audience participation and says hello and goodbye.
2025 Staff Summer Reading Challenge
- Read a book from the Summer Reading Recommendations list (any age group).
- Read a book with a cover you love.
September 1, 2025
Paint with Ploof by Ben Clanton is about trying out new things and regulating our emotions! This is a short but cute story that can help young kids to understand the concept of things not working out the first time that you try them, and how we can help ourselves to work through our emotions to come out better on the other side. This book could be used during a center where the kids read the book, and then would be asked questions based on the book (ex: what does Ploof do after they cry to calm them down?) to solidify their new knowledge on emotion regulation (which is very important for young students!)
April 26, 2024
ARC provided by Netgalley. Thanks!
Paint with Ploof is an adorable little picture book with interactive moments for children to act upon. The artwork is simple and lovely and conveys the message of what is happening in the story.
A great book to be read out loud, so you can instruct children to either answer the little questions or actions needed to be done.
My young children, age 4 and 7, both enjoyed it and laughed a lot at one point in the story.
A must have if you enjoy the Narwhal and Jelly series. There's a surprise appearance too!
Paint with Ploof is an adorable little picture book with interactive moments for children to act upon. The artwork is simple and lovely and conveys the message of what is happening in the story.
A great book to be read out loud, so you can instruct children to either answer the little questions or actions needed to be done.
My young children, age 4 and 7, both enjoyed it and laughed a lot at one point in the story.
A must have if you enjoy the Narwhal and Jelly series. There's a surprise appearance too!
July 2, 2024
I received an electronic ARC from Penguin Random House Canada through NetGalley.
Ploof is a delightful character that interacts directly with readers along with the narrator. Both encourage readers to help Ploof paint a rainbow for the first time. I appreciate Clanton showing how hard it is to do something for the first time and to not give up when things don't go as planned. Ploof keep trying and creates all sorts of beautiful things with his paintbrush.
An engaging read for younger readers. They are encouraged to create themselves and support others too.
Ploof is a delightful character that interacts directly with readers along with the narrator. Both encourage readers to help Ploof paint a rainbow for the first time. I appreciate Clanton showing how hard it is to do something for the first time and to not give up when things don't go as planned. Ploof keep trying and creates all sorts of beautiful things with his paintbrush.
An engaging read for younger readers. They are encouraged to create themselves and support others too.
May 9, 2024
This book has incredibly cute, endearing illustrations, and it includes interactive elements as Ploof learns to paint his first rainbow. There's a solid story arc in addition to the little things for kids to do as they read, and the book has a great message about accepting mistakes and persevering when you're learning a new skill.
I received a temporary digital copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a temporary digital copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 11, 2024
Ben Clayton has moved a little away from early graphic nobles into a picture book. This picture book revolves around a cloud that wants to learn to paint but he hast to learn the rainbow first. This is a fantastic successor to Press Here and books like it. It does a good job of being active and being unique at the same time. Plus if you’re smart, you just might find a narwhal. Clayton writes it and I will read it.
August 19, 2024
What a fun and creative way to teach colors to children. In this adorable story we follow Ploof as we learn all about colors and creativity. We even learn about trying new things, dealing with feelings and learning to breathe and become calm. Your family will enjoy the simple illustrations that really show the point of the story. It is a perfect book for an early childhood classroom. Enjoy with your little ones.
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November 20, 2024I'm not entirely sure why Clanton needed Musser, but ok. It looks like a Clanton work, so maybe Musser wrote it? It's an interactive story about making a rainbow. I thought it would be more cohesive and science-y, like they'd make the cloud cry but then show the sun and then show how it all makes a rainbow, but it wasn't like that; it was more like an interactive story about drawing rainbows and failing and trying again.
April 21, 2025
Because my twin sister and I are but adult kids, we have developed a tradition of picking up children's books and reading them together. I found this one in a public library, and we had a blast looking at the art and appreciating the story. Yes, the story - we're proud of Ploof's rainbow, okay?
We went elsewhere in the library and came back a few minutes later to find this book was gone. Off to brighten another kid's day!
We went elsewhere in the library and came back a few minutes later to find this book was gone. Off to brighten another kid's day!
April 28, 2024
Aw, I love the message that Ploof is sharing with young readers. Ploof lets us know that it is okay to feel overwhelmed and to not succeed when we try something new. We also get to see Ploof keep trying and have fun with the new skill that they are trying to learn.
I loved all of the drawings that Ploof makes at the end of the book and how interactive Ben Clanton made the story.
I loved all of the drawings that Ploof makes at the end of the book and how interactive Ben Clanton made the story.
May 15, 2024
This book is great for toddlers! I love that the colors are calming and not overwhelming. The storyline is cute and engages the reader. I like that it has the reader point to the page and allows them to interact with the storyline. Overall, I would recommend this book!
Thank you to NetGalley and Tundra Books for the ARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tundra Books for the ARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
August 11, 2024
#PaintWithPloof is such a lovely story of a cute little cloud who needs a little help and resilience to make a rainbow. Lots of great early vocabulary and engaging pictures to develop early language. Love how the cloud uses breathing exercises to calm down.
The illustration is beautifully done with lots of scope for discussion and interaction.
I will definitely be buying a copy for our school when this book is published, and I can't wait to see the other books in this lovely series.
Thank you, @NetGalley_UK and @PenguinCanada
The illustration is beautifully done with lots of scope for discussion and interaction.
I will definitely be buying a copy for our school when this book is published, and I can't wait to see the other books in this lovely series.
Thank you, @NetGalley_UK and @PenguinCanada
April 28, 2025
What a delightful introduction to creative expression! A plucky little cloud named Ploof teaches kids about shapes and colors, plus presents a lesson on how to paint a rainbow and use mindfulness techniques to deal with performance anxiety and perfectionism. Simple illustrations show how fun and enlightening making art can be. Woo!
April 15, 2024
A new favorite for my 3 year old son!
It's a cute little story about a cloud named Ploof making his first rainbow. It has elements of being interactive, while the questions and actions it suggests are perfect for the story.
Highly recommend!
It's a cute little story about a cloud named Ploof making his first rainbow. It has elements of being interactive, while the questions and actions it suggests are perfect for the story.
Highly recommend!
May 11, 2024
I read this to my 4 month old, she loved the bright colors. I loved all the little messages in this cute little story and also that it threw in a calming technique. So adorable! Thanks NetGalley for the chance to read it
July 25, 2024
Very easy to understand and aesthetically pleasing. The writing is accessible for a small child. The interactivity aspects remind me of Dora the Explorer. Would work well for a storytime about colors, rainbows or the weather.
August 8, 2024
***Thank you NETGALLEY for the ARC***
Another fantastic Ploof book! The perfect mix of imaginative and interactive with art to make you smile. These books are a must have for the toddlers that like to interact with a story. Another swing and a hit from Ben Clanton!
Another fantastic Ploof book! The perfect mix of imaginative and interactive with art to make you smile. These books are a must have for the toddlers that like to interact with a story. Another swing and a hit from Ben Clanton!
October 30, 2024
Turn and twist (stand up, sit down, shout, shout, shout) to help Ploof paint a rainbow. A cute, fun, interactive book about dealing with emotions. Clanton's fans may recognize a familiar face towards the end of the book.
November 20, 2024
Concept: Colors
Science: Weather, rainbows
Nonverbal Ploof is back to paint his very first rainbow, but not without some challenges that he has to overcome--with the assistance of the audience, of course!
Science: Weather, rainbows
Nonverbal Ploof is back to paint his very first rainbow, but not without some challenges that he has to overcome--with the assistance of the audience, of course!
December 3, 2024
Very cute and engaging! Not really a spoiler, but after posting I realised I should probably leave it to be discovered!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews