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Tomie DePaola's The Cloud Book
You see, clouds are fun, silly, and very interesting.
Tomie dePaola--best-selling author of Strega Nona, Quiet, and many others--knows a lot about clouds. He also knows a lot about what people think of them.
Some people see animals and pictures in clouds. The ancient Greeks believed that Hermes, the messenger of the gods, once stole the sun's cattle, which were clouds.
In this unique picture book, Tomie introduces some of the most common types of clouds, as well as the myths and legends inspired by their shapes. Simple, whimsical illustrations show the variations in shape and color that herald changes in the weather.
This book will tell you many things about clouds we bet you didn't know. Filled with his signature humor and gentle illustrations, Tomie dePaola's approach to nonfiction is like no other.
A Reading Rainbow book.
Tomie dePaola--best-selling author of Strega Nona, Quiet, and many others--knows a lot about clouds. He also knows a lot about what people think of them.
Some people see animals and pictures in clouds. The ancient Greeks believed that Hermes, the messenger of the gods, once stole the sun's cattle, which were clouds.
In this unique picture book, Tomie introduces some of the most common types of clouds, as well as the myths and legends inspired by their shapes. Simple, whimsical illustrations show the variations in shape and color that herald changes in the weather.
This book will tell you many things about clouds we bet you didn't know. Filled with his signature humor and gentle illustrations, Tomie dePaola's approach to nonfiction is like no other.
A Reading Rainbow book.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 1975
14 people are currently reading
663 people want to read
About the author
Tomie dePaola
455 books911 followersTomie dePaola (pronounced Tommy da-POW-la) was best known for his books for children.
He had a five-decade writing and illustrating career during which he published more than 270 books, including 26 Fairmount Avenue, Strega Nona, and Meet the Barkers.
Tomie dePaola and his work have been recognized with the Caldecott Honor Award, the Newbery Honor Award, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award, and the New Hampshire Governor's Arts Award of Living Treasure.
He had a five-decade writing and illustrating career during which he published more than 270 books, including 26 Fairmount Avenue, Strega Nona, and Meet the Barkers.
Tomie dePaola and his work have been recognized with the Caldecott Honor Award, the Newbery Honor Award, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award, and the New Hampshire Governor's Arts Award of Living Treasure.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
January 11, 2011
When I was presented with a month long curriculum on weather I knew that I needed to find an interesting book for my kids. Working with first graders means that every single book I read to them needs to be bright, vivid and intriguing or well...they have short attention spans, you get the gist!
Of course when I found out that Tommie DePaola had a book about clouds, I snagged it! My kids have previous experience with his books and they love the illustrations. The best part about The Cloud Book is definitely the illustrations. Each page describes a different type of cloud formation, and then shows an example of that type. The kids loved this! They also loved how the book mentions that clouds can look like real life animals, shapes, etc.
What is really great about this book is also that it transcends all grades. Yes, the illustrations are adorable, but the information within in genuinely well put together! I didn't end up reading every page to the kids because, well let's face it, cumulonimbus is not exactly a word that they will remember at age 6. However, if you were to give this book to a fifth grade class they could definitely use it for a science project. Science mixed with adorable pictures, this book is sure to interest any age that you read it to.
Of course when I found out that Tommie DePaola had a book about clouds, I snagged it! My kids have previous experience with his books and they love the illustrations. The best part about The Cloud Book is definitely the illustrations. Each page describes a different type of cloud formation, and then shows an example of that type. The kids loved this! They also loved how the book mentions that clouds can look like real life animals, shapes, etc.
What is really great about this book is also that it transcends all grades. Yes, the illustrations are adorable, but the information within in genuinely well put together! I didn't end up reading every page to the kids because, well let's face it, cumulonimbus is not exactly a word that they will remember at age 6. However, if you were to give this book to a fifth grade class they could definitely use it for a science project. Science mixed with adorable pictures, this book is sure to interest any age that you read it to.
September 25, 2025
Who doesn't love Tomie dePaola? He's better known for folk tales than nonfiction, but The Cloud Book has a special place in the hearts of his fans. What is a cloud, and why do they exist? Do the various types serve different functions? How have cultures through the millennia used clouds as a springboard for common lore? Tomie dePaola answers these questions with a sprinkling of affectionate humor.
There are three basic kinds of cloud: cirrus, cumulus, and stratus. The book explains what makes each kind distinctive, then breaks them down into sub-categories. Where does fog fit in the picture? How can weather be accurately predicted by looking at clouds? Our lesson wraps up with a sampling of cloud idioms and proverbs, and a mini story about a cloud. Readers of any age can learn from this book.
The Cloud Book may be the quintessential comfortable Tomie dePaola read. You won't remember every vocabulary word, but you get a basic feel for what clouds are. The drawings and humor are a pleasure to engage with, and there are cameos by characters from other Tomie dePaola books, including Strega Nona on page ten. The Cloud Book is nothing revolutionary, but I'd reread it any day.
There are three basic kinds of cloud: cirrus, cumulus, and stratus. The book explains what makes each kind distinctive, then breaks them down into sub-categories. Where does fog fit in the picture? How can weather be accurately predicted by looking at clouds? Our lesson wraps up with a sampling of cloud idioms and proverbs, and a mini story about a cloud. Readers of any age can learn from this book.
The Cloud Book may be the quintessential comfortable Tomie dePaola read. You won't remember every vocabulary word, but you get a basic feel for what clouds are. The drawings and humor are a pleasure to engage with, and there are cameos by characters from other Tomie dePaola books, including Strega Nona on page ten. The Cloud Book is nothing revolutionary, but I'd reread it any day.
August 20, 2013
Although usually we're a big fan of Tomie de Paola, this book was a little boring for us. Learning about clouds was fun, but quickly goes into the names of several clouds that were long, difficult to pronounce, and all very similar sounding, which made even my mind drift. The pictures and cute little side tidbits at the bottom of the pages are the only thing that brought me and my children back. Perhaps when their a little older (5 yrs old and 3 yrs) they'll find it more engaging. But for now, it was a little over all of our heads.
November 10, 2025
Such a cute and adorable book, with equal cute illustrations, drawn manually, the way we used to draw the scenes and imaginations, the same technique.
As the book has been published in 1975, the illustrations say so. The writing is well explained and precise, with the enough information of Clouds. The names, the sayings, the details, how they are formed. Interesting yet feel-good book.
Though the names are yet to memorize. 🙃😄
As the book has been published in 1975, the illustrations say so. The writing is well explained and precise, with the enough information of Clouds. The names, the sayings, the details, how they are formed. Interesting yet feel-good book.
Though the names are yet to memorize. 🙃😄
October 27, 2019
The Cloud Book presents information in an interesting way but good luck trying to remember any of those cloud names. On page after page, the book presents yet another confusing (similar to the other cloud names) cloud name with a short description, and I knew I would come away remembering none of it. It's a charming, interesting book . . . just don't expect to really learn anything.
Also, I admit I didn't "get" the silly cloud story at the end. It left me feeling bewildered.
(My used copy has written in it: Sarah Jessica.)
Also, I admit I didn't "get" the silly cloud story at the end. It left me feeling bewildered.
(My used copy has written in it: Sarah Jessica.)
August 31, 2008
I wanted to add a little "fun" into our weather study. This fell a bit flat and the kids were really bored.
It has decent explanations of clouds, but his trademark de Paola illustrations made it hard to identify actual clouds. You really need sharp, clear illustrations or photos for that.
I won't be using this again.
It has decent explanations of clouds, but his trademark de Paola illustrations made it hard to identify actual clouds. You really need sharp, clear illustrations or photos for that.
I won't be using this again.
September 5, 2013
It was educational and once we got past the vocabulary, a fun-ish read. But this book was not up to Tomie dePaola standards in my mind. The barrage of vocabulary was far too much to remember all at once. I would need a diagram. And the story at the end - one page cartoon strip - was boring.
July 19, 2021
This book is a fun way to teach young children about the clouds in their skies. Though there are many facts about clouds (their names, and how to recognize their differences), they are told with amusing and fanciful notions that will keep kids engaged, rather than just telling facts.
June 25, 2023
The drawings were cute, and it’s a decent overview of different cloud types. It’s fun that he included some mythology.
October 26, 2024
quick read before packing her up - but actually AO INSPIRED 😭😭😭😭 illustrations are sooooo perfect, unexpectedly stumbled on some of my fav kids art omg
March 14, 2025
Unbeknownst to me, I got this out of the library the very day my 8yo was learning to identify clouds in school!
December 5, 2018
Summary: This book is about the different type of clouds that are present in the sky, such as cirrus, stratus, and nimbus clouds. The author discusses the different types of weather associated with the different clouds. The book ends with rhymes to help remember what weather is associated with the different clouds.
Review: : I like this book a lot because I love weather and science, so I found it to be interesting. I love the way Tomie dePaola made weather fun, and entertaining in this book.I also love how he gives some rhymes at the end. Students can always remember better when rhythm is attached, and this book allows for that.
I would pair this book with Weather Words and What They Mean by Gail Gibbons.
Juicy Quote: "If you could hop on a bird and fly way up, you would see the whole earth covered with clouds." This is a good quote to help bring schema to young students about just how vast clouds really are.
Review: : I like this book a lot because I love weather and science, so I found it to be interesting. I love the way Tomie dePaola made weather fun, and entertaining in this book.I also love how he gives some rhymes at the end. Students can always remember better when rhythm is attached, and this book allows for that.
I would pair this book with Weather Words and What They Mean by Gail Gibbons.
Juicy Quote: "If you could hop on a bird and fly way up, you would see the whole earth covered with clouds." This is a good quote to help bring schema to young students about just how vast clouds really are.
December 4, 2018
This book is most suitable for students in grades 4 through 6.
This book is a child-friendly book describing the basic knowledge of clouds. It describes the different names of clouds, and what each one looks like. It also explains what type of weather to expect from different clouds. The book then goes on to explain some history of specific clouds
I thought this was a unique informational book that will engage readers as if they were reading a literary text. The illustrations on each page are cute and support the text to strengthen a reader's understanding. Anyone can learn from this book.
One in class use of this book would be to have children draw and label their own clouds while referring to the text. Another use could be to have students write vocabulary words and their definitions while reading the text.
This book is a child-friendly book describing the basic knowledge of clouds. It describes the different names of clouds, and what each one looks like. It also explains what type of weather to expect from different clouds. The book then goes on to explain some history of specific clouds
I thought this was a unique informational book that will engage readers as if they were reading a literary text. The illustrations on each page are cute and support the text to strengthen a reader's understanding. Anyone can learn from this book.
One in class use of this book would be to have children draw and label their own clouds while referring to the text. Another use could be to have students write vocabulary words and their definitions while reading the text.
October 30, 2020
The Cloud Book
(children's literature, science, types of clouds, reading for information)
The Cloud Book is a fun book that teaches children everything about clouds that they've always wanted to know. Different types of clouds, the water cycle, how clouds are made, etc. Great for science lessons!
If you are a teacher, this would be perfect for your science units about clouds and weather.
Best for middle elementary students. Whole group, small group, and independent reading.
Kelly Wilson
Teacher / Blogger
www.kellysclassroomonline.com
(children's literature, science, types of clouds, reading for information)
The Cloud Book is a fun book that teaches children everything about clouds that they've always wanted to know. Different types of clouds, the water cycle, how clouds are made, etc. Great for science lessons!
If you are a teacher, this would be perfect for your science units about clouds and weather.
Best for middle elementary students. Whole group, small group, and independent reading.
Kelly Wilson
Teacher / Blogger
www.kellysclassroomonline.com
November 26, 2017
A cute way to teach kids about clouds and make it interesting.
September 25, 2025
Prolific American children's author and artist Tomie dePaola explores the world of clouds in this picture book from 1975. Describing the three main kinds of clouds—cirrus, cumulous and stratus—and then the other kinds which combine the qualities (and names) of these three, the book highlights how these different types of clouds behave (the weather which comes from them). The book also presents folk beliefs and sayings involving clouds, and closes with a mini cloud story...
I've been on a Tomie dePaola kick recently (themed reading projects are a weakness of mine), and tracking down some of the classic titles I never read as a girl. I was well familiar with his Strega Nona books, and others, but his nonfiction is new to me. I found The Cloud Book engaging, and think that it makes an excellent introduction to the subject, for very young children. There are doubtless better books out there, from a scientific perspective, as what is presented here is very basic, but this would be a good beginning place for the child who is fascinated by clouds, but not yet ready for more complex information. The accompanying artwork is trademark dePaola, and lots of fun. Recommended to young cloud-gazers who want to learn a little bit more.
I've been on a Tomie dePaola kick recently (themed reading projects are a weakness of mine), and tracking down some of the classic titles I never read as a girl. I was well familiar with his Strega Nona books, and others, but his nonfiction is new to me. I found The Cloud Book engaging, and think that it makes an excellent introduction to the subject, for very young children. There are doubtless better books out there, from a scientific perspective, as what is presented here is very basic, but this would be a good beginning place for the child who is fascinated by clouds, but not yet ready for more complex information. The accompanying artwork is trademark dePaola, and lots of fun. Recommended to young cloud-gazers who want to learn a little bit more.
August 29, 2023
Another picture book that I learned something from. This was a Reading Rainbow Book I see on the cover. What a great show that was.
There are plenty of facts about clouds in here and even old sayings to know if it will rain or not. I think the old sayings have been forgotten, so it's nice to have them somewhere.
We studied clouds in school, but I don't remember hearing about Altostratus and Altocumulus or Nimbostratus. We didn't get that indepth. Here is a saying, "Evening red and morning gray set the traveler on his way. Evening gray and morning red bring down rain upon his head" I want to pay attention and see if there is truth to this.
The art style is very Tomie. He's not my favorite artist, but he has a sense of whimsy that I appreciate.
There are plenty of facts about clouds in here and even old sayings to know if it will rain or not. I think the old sayings have been forgotten, so it's nice to have them somewhere.
We studied clouds in school, but I don't remember hearing about Altostratus and Altocumulus or Nimbostratus. We didn't get that indepth. Here is a saying, "Evening red and morning gray set the traveler on his way. Evening gray and morning red bring down rain upon his head" I want to pay attention and see if there is truth to this.
The art style is very Tomie. He's not my favorite artist, but he has a sense of whimsy that I appreciate.
November 24, 2020
This is a informative book about the different types of clouds and what each one does to the sky. Contains a use of descriptive words to explain to reader who are at a higher level of reading. It also includes ways of how to tell what a cloud's shape can mean; whether it will rain or not. The book mentions the stories of people from different cultures who explain their ways of predicting the weather by looking at the clouds.
November 1, 2019
The book starts out simple enough by focusing on the three basic cloud types, but quickly becomes a little complicated when "altostratus" and "cumulonimbus" are introduced. It may be a bit boring for some children.
I liked it alright, but would probably never check out this book and read it to a child.
I liked it alright, but would probably never check out this book and read it to a child.
November 26, 2020
Date I completed reading the book: 11-11-20
My star rating (1 to 5): ***
The date: 11-23-20
Genre: Nonfiction
Grade range: 1-3
Book review: I love how students can learn about the ten most common types of clouds and what they can tell about coming weather changes. This would be a great book to incorporate when talking about the weather.
My star rating (1 to 5): ***
The date: 11-23-20
Genre: Nonfiction
Grade range: 1-3
Book review: I love how students can learn about the ten most common types of clouds and what they can tell about coming weather changes. This would be a great book to incorporate when talking about the weather.
March 20, 2024
Tomie dePaola is another childhood favorite and I couldn't help smiling as I read this. It features his signature style and some humor along with a bit of folklore and some scientific information about different types of clouds. Honestly, many superior books on the subject are out there nowadays but this was fun for me anyway.
September 6, 2024
It is all about clouds, from cumulus to altostratus to stratocumulus. Studying the characteristics of these different types of clouds is interesting, but daydreaming about the clouds and naming different things they remind you of is more fun. This is an informative book, but it is kind of long, tedious, and studious.
September 28, 2017
I loved how this book had many different aspects about clouds. It talked about the different types of clouds and history. It also had a little story at the end about a cloud. I could also read part of this out loud if it related to our science lessons.
March 27, 2018
This is the second "teaching" book by Tomie dePaola I have read. They re not my favorites. His beautiful fictional stories are much better than these non-fiction...I'm not sure story is the right word...book. There are some cute parts but the jokes are over the top and fall flat.
December 18, 2019
Grandma's review: Too much detail for my audience. I abbreviated the story to hold interest. Illustrations were the fun part.
Almost 5-year-old's review: "I liked counting the clouds." (Not a counting book, but we adapted the story to make it more relevant.)
Almost 5-year-old's review: "I liked counting the clouds." (Not a counting book, but we adapted the story to make it more relevant.)
March 20, 2021
Stop recommending this book to teach clouds. There must be better resources out there. Weird organization of stories, legends, funny names interspersed with the scientific names for clouds, several to a page with illustrations that look almost identical. Difficult to follow.
May 8, 2025
A really great science book about the different kinds of clouds. Very helpful to have the illustrations right next to all the descriptions. I also enjoyed the funny little parts at the bottoms of some of the pages.
April 29, 2019
Good information on clouds.
January 15, 2020
I remember reading this in school in maybe third grade. It was a little advanced for my three month old! We might revisit it in eight or nine years.
January 10, 2021
A simple and fun nonfiction picture book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews