Cloud Forest

by Victoria Turnbull

"A story will help," said Umpa. "Stories make everything grow."

A child's Umpa teaches them to read and to follow the words, out the garden gate and all the way to the sea. Every day is a new adventure. They visit castles in the air, feast with friends and sail away on the rains. But then one day, Umpa isn't there...

This incredibly moving tale from acclaimed author-illustrator Victoria Turnbull speaks of the power of books to bring people together, and to help us remember loved ones when they're no longer with us.

Genres: Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

Published May 30, 2019

About the author

Victoria Turnbull is a critically acclaimed creator of picture books. After winning the 2013 Association of Illustrators New Talent Award, Children's Book category, her first book 'The Sea Tiger' was nominated for the Kate Greenaway Medal and shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize. She has since written and illustrated 'Kings of the Castle', 'Pandora', and 'Cloud Forest'. She has also illustrated 'Is It Really Nearly Christmas?' by Joyce Dunbar and 'To the End of the World, Far, Far Away' by Ronda Armitage. Victoria's latest book is called 'A Home that Means the World'.

Reviews

[Owen Townend · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gorgeous hazy picture book with a life-affirming message.

I picked this up while working at the library, struck by the almost smoky beauty of its cover. Each page features beautiful illustration that seems to be coated by an ethereal but comforting mist.

As for the plot, it's a classic tale of a child spending time with their kindly grandfather, sharing a love of gardening and being carried off by stories. While the pictures express the world-building, the words focus on love, excitement and sorrow.

Alas, a little rain must fall even in the magic kingdom of a child's imagination. The ending took me a little by surprise but, really, I should have seen it coming.

Regardless this is a story to share with your little one to help them understand why stories are so spellbinding and vital to making cherished memories. I recommend Cloud Forest to parents and guardians with a heart as big as Umpa's.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A story will help," said Umpa. "Stories make everything grow."

Together, the child in this story and their Umpa go on fantastical adventures together through the power of books and storytelling, sailing away on the rain and dining with hosts of magical imagined friends. One day, however, Umpa is no longer there, and it is up to the child to discover that their Umpa can still be found in the stories they shared together and the books they loved.

Turnbull's beautiful picture book not only addresses the incredible power of stories and the ways they can transport us, but also the harsh unfamiliarity and helplessness of grief, especially for children who often struggle to process these feelings. In tones that echo the eloquence of Oliver Jeffers' The Heart and the Bottle, and Benji Davies' Grandad's Island, Turnbull has addressed the loss of a grandparent with a delicacy and kindness that children will find comfort in. Even as an adult, it reminded me that the people I have lost will always be there in the things we shared together.

It would be remiss in talking about Cloud Forest to not address the illustrations that beautifully cover the pages. Turnbull has shown her ability to create beautiful and whimsical images in her previous picture books and this one is no different. Her use of colour is muted but warm, effective with gentle pops of brightness that keep this story feeling dreamy and cosy to read. The continued visual theme of colours and smoke to indicate the dreamy quality of the scenes is unifying imagery that maintains the feel of the story.

Ultimately this is a beautiful book that would be an asset to your bookshelf, both as a lovely story and a learning tool in difficult times.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

[Jo]

A beautiful book exploring loss, bereavement and the importance of stories.

Victoria Turnbull provides a moving account of the relationship between a child and t heir Umpa. The child is taught about how to grow a garden and how important stories are as they go on adventures to cloud forests and all the way out to sea. One day Umpa isn't there any more and the child is lost in the clouds of grief, until he discovers the stories again and memories stir.

This story is beautifully illustrated with images in the clouds of all that they read about and the memories they make while reading together.

This would be a fabulous story to share with young children to help them understand loss and the feelings that come with it.

I received an eARC of this book from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gentle story with dream-like illustrations, this is a perfect story for bedtime with young readers. This is the tale of the bond between Umpa and the narrator (not entirely sure what they are meant to be but they are adorable and cuddly anyway) and how they use books to connect. This is a really sweet story focusing on the bond between grandparent and child, with a very moving ending (I did shed a tear reading it alone). I would recommend this for guided reading, perhaps not alone, for primary school and elementary school age children, as it touches on themes of grief and loss but also the healing power of stories. This is one that we will be adding to our children’s library.

Thank you to NetGalley and Frances Lincoln for sending me a free advance e-book copy of this title.

[Kirsten - Children's Library Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully illustrated picture book about coping with death, storytelling, asking questions and imagination. A young boy's magical times with his grandfather is what helps him cope with his death. He starts to understand, through his Umpa's stories, his grandfather will never leave him.

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unfocused, New Age, airy-fairy. The kids loved it though. And the final few pages (when the real thrust of the book hits) always made me cry. Umpa! 8/10

[Paul Graham Terpstra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice tale of dealing with loss. Imagination and story time can be extremely powerful for children.
Cool illustrations