Catch a Cloud

by Elena de Roo

An epic story, full of danger wrapped up as a sea shanty from enormously talented poet Elena de Roo and rising star illustrator Hannah Peck.




I spy a cloud go floating by

Where do you go, Cloud, so high?


A boy and a dog follow a cloud out to sea, but as the weather worsens he relies on the whales and waves to bear him home.

Genres: Picture Books, Adventure, Childrens, Environment

32 pages, Hardcover

Published September 22, 2020

About the author

Elena de Roo is a poet and former research librarian. The Rain Train was her first picture book. She lives in New Zealand.

Reviews

[Hilary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun story about a boy and his dog trying to catch a cloud. The illustrations are really interesting to look at, wonderful sunset colours and I enjoyed the clouds made into characters. The boy has a very cute dog companion that was a nice addition to the story.

[Beth Bauman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a lovely, entertaining lilting rhyme! I love how most of the end rhymes go with "me" or "sea," idk, I just really enjoy those rhyming words. And highly entertaining story of a boy chasing a cloud to spite the wind, and his shipwreck. :)

[Jacaranda21 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some lovely elements with the rhyming text, but personally, I found it hard to follow who was saying what, on my first read.
For me, the layout of the book, giving a sense of the flow and the colourful illustrations, is the best part. The palette of colours used gave a real sense of the drama of the rhyme unfolding, providing some idea of the danger and a sense of survival.

[Chloe Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short, colourful story that the children loved on placement

[Stella Wenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

The illustration is beyond breathtaking. Love the adventure as well.