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The Ship of Cloud and Stars
From the acclaimed author of The Forest of Moon and Sword comes a high-seas adventure for readers 9+. Join Nico on her quest to change the world...
Nico Cloud desperately wants to be an explorer, but her parents think adventures aren't for girls. Fate intervenes when Nico chases a kitten on board a ship . . . and then the ship sails out to sea!
NICO IS AN ACCIDENTAL STOWAWAY.
Lucky for her, the ship belongs to a famous scientist who is on a quest for new discoveries. But clouds are brewing overhead and cunning pirates are determined to wreck the crew's mission. Can Nico steer the ship to victory and prove her parents wrong?
AN EPIC ADVENTURE STORY ABOUT THE POWER OF SCIENCE AND LEGENDS.
"A brilliant adventure, full of excitement and joy" - Anthony McGowan
"I thoroughly enjoyed this historical seafaring adventure" - AM Howell
Nico Cloud desperately wants to be an explorer, but her parents think adventures aren't for girls. Fate intervenes when Nico chases a kitten on board a ship . . . and then the ship sails out to sea!
NICO IS AN ACCIDENTAL STOWAWAY.
Lucky for her, the ship belongs to a famous scientist who is on a quest for new discoveries. But clouds are brewing overhead and cunning pirates are determined to wreck the crew's mission. Can Nico steer the ship to victory and prove her parents wrong?
AN EPIC ADVENTURE STORY ABOUT THE POWER OF SCIENCE AND LEGENDS.
"A brilliant adventure, full of excitement and joy" - Anthony McGowan
"I thoroughly enjoyed this historical seafaring adventure" - AM Howell
194 pages, Paperback
Published January 20, 2022
5 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 27, 2022
I loved the adventure and the way this book had a lot of detail. The characters were cool. This book surprised me with so many unexpected things.
It made me feel very lucky to live in the world I am in today and I'm happy things have changed for girls over the years. This book made me feel free.
I felt the beginning of this book was a bit slow but once I got reading, I really enjoyed it.
It made me feel very lucky to live in the world I am in today and I'm happy things have changed for girls over the years. This book made me feel free.
I felt the beginning of this book was a bit slow but once I got reading, I really enjoyed it.
June 14, 2022
This is an enjoyable story and the writing was good. I really wanted to find out more about Nico's dreams (trying to avoid spoilers here!) and I love the science incorporated into the story. My only issue is that everything happens a bit too easily, all obstacles are overcome almost effortlessly.
(Would have given 3.5 stars if GR allowed it)
(Would have given 3.5 stars if GR allowed it)
June 5, 2022
Beaucoup d'informations scientifiques qui me semblent un peu dense pour le public cible, mais une histoire intéressante avec une petite fille passionnée par les sciences à une époque très masculine qui va tenter de faire ses preuves.
Note : 3.5
Note : 3.5
April 24, 2022
Nico Cloud, is downtrodden and restricted in her home where her two younger brothers are adored and she is ignored. She longs to be a scientist like her Aunt Ruth and her passion for seeds and fossils is ridiculed by her parents. It is 1832 and woman scientists are scorned and discredited and her Aunt Ruth is the shame of the family as disguises herself as a male scientist aboard a ship continue her scientific investigations in secrecy. Nico’s parents scorn her aunt and forbid Nico from studying science, including her favourite topic: seeds. Sneaking down to the docks to see her Aunt's ship, she chases a stray kitten and ends up on the ship itself as it sails off on its next expedition.
All is not well as there is little money, and there are pirates after Aunt Beth's work but Nico finds happiness despite a series of events that lead them all into danger and a new quest to head to Sicily to locate the fossilised seeds of tree revered in legends.
This book has all the elements for a great adventure targeting independent readers around 10 to 12 years of age but missed the mark because of the gently writing style. I found that the tension was limited, the dangers too easily circumvented, and the evil doers reformed to become fully engaged in the story. The black and white illustrations seemed superfluous to the story as they did little to convey the historical period or reflect the different settings of the events.
All is not well as there is little money, and there are pirates after Aunt Beth's work but Nico finds happiness despite a series of events that lead them all into danger and a new quest to head to Sicily to locate the fossilised seeds of tree revered in legends.
This book has all the elements for a great adventure targeting independent readers around 10 to 12 years of age but missed the mark because of the gently writing style. I found that the tension was limited, the dangers too easily circumvented, and the evil doers reformed to become fully engaged in the story. The black and white illustrations seemed superfluous to the story as they did little to convey the historical period or reflect the different settings of the events.
December 29, 2021
Amy's last book was fantasy. This is more grounded in real life, with one slight exception. The last book featured information on herbal medicine; this one has a bit of everything, thanks to its main character being a bookworm and budding scientist. I loved that her more practical friends aren't looked down on or thought less of because they aren't scientists; the characters understand that it takes all kinds and that different interests are still legitimate.
It's very much a children's book, but that's not a criticism, only a note. It's often hard to find a book that speaks to children on their level, and this will help to fill that gap very nicely. The adventure will keep them riveted to the story; I think this would be a great book to read in class, because it would engage everyone!
Sadly my proof copy didn't include any illustrations. I can't wait to see them; hopefully they suit and extend the story just as much as the illustrations in her first book did.
I can't wait to see what else Amy comes up with, as this is a fantastic second novel that proves she's not a flash in the pan.
It's very much a children's book, but that's not a criticism, only a note. It's often hard to find a book that speaks to children on their level, and this will help to fill that gap very nicely. The adventure will keep them riveted to the story; I think this would be a great book to read in class, because it would engage everyone!
Sadly my proof copy didn't include any illustrations. I can't wait to see them; hopefully they suit and extend the story just as much as the illustrations in her first book did.
I can't wait to see what else Amy comes up with, as this is a fantastic second novel that proves she's not a flash in the pan.
July 1, 2022
In this historical fantasy, it is 1832 and Nico is a young girl who wants so much more out of life than a husband and home to care for. She is chasing the dream of being a scientist, focusing on the importance of seeds, when she finds herself the accidental stowaway on board a ship that just so happens to have a scientist on board. Not only that, but the scientist is a female in disguise! If only Nico can find a way to keep the ship's captain from dropping her off at the next port and sending her home.
This was such a fun story to listen to. The characters are really well-written, and I loved that the main character was a clever bookworm who was determined to get more out of life than what is traditionally available. Also, there's a cat! While a little slow to get going, once it does, it is fantastic. In addition, the narrator - Daphne Kouma - did a fantastic job. She really brought the adventures to life.
With the way this book ended, I hope that Amy Raphael writes a sequel continuing the adventures of Nico as she continues her journey to being a scientist.
This was such a fun story to listen to. The characters are really well-written, and I loved that the main character was a clever bookworm who was determined to get more out of life than what is traditionally available. Also, there's a cat! While a little slow to get going, once it does, it is fantastic. In addition, the narrator - Daphne Kouma - did a fantastic job. She really brought the adventures to life.
With the way this book ended, I hope that Amy Raphael writes a sequel continuing the adventures of Nico as she continues her journey to being a scientist.
June 25, 2023
I'll never pass up any middle grade book that involves adventures on the high seas, so of course I enjoyed all the time Nico Cloud and the other characters were aboard the ship. I would have loved more interaction with pirates, but it isn't supposed to be a swashbuckling tale.
I appreciated the STEM aspects of the book and respected the author highlighting how tough it used to be for women scientists. There were some scientific references I doubt were known in the 1800s (such as inheriting family genetics and red dwarf stars) and those momentarily ripped me out of the story. But then again, the science is also intertwined with myth and magic so I suppose a leap of faith is forgivable. Nico keeping her promise to her doctor aunt never to reveal her gender was commendable.
I do agree with other reviews that there were some missed opportunities for the main character to drive the story through challenges instead of delivering her fortunate coincidences. Enjoyable for intermediate middle grade readers, around 8-9 years old.
I appreciated the STEM aspects of the book and respected the author highlighting how tough it used to be for women scientists. There were some scientific references I doubt were known in the 1800s (such as inheriting family genetics and red dwarf stars) and those momentarily ripped me out of the story. But then again, the science is also intertwined with myth and magic so I suppose a leap of faith is forgivable. Nico keeping her promise to her doctor aunt never to reveal her gender was commendable.
I do agree with other reviews that there were some missed opportunities for the main character to drive the story through challenges instead of delivering her fortunate coincidences. Enjoyable for intermediate middle grade readers, around 8-9 years old.
August 9, 2022
This is a child-sized historical fiction piece set in the 1830s, about 12-yo Nico Cloud, who accidentally stows away onto the Anthos when she chases a cat on board.
At home, she’s treated shoddily by her parents who prefer having boys and who are scornful of her aunt, Ruth, who is a scientist herself discriminated for her gender.
Amy Raphael spins a story entirely new to me. Inspired by her aunt, Nico is fascinated with fossilized plants and seeds, and the scientist on board the Anthos is pursuing an Italian myth about a Tree of Hope and its fossilized seeds that could be the answer to world hunger.
Nico and her two new friends, Matteo and Etienne, have to race against time to find these seeds — with pirates sent by rogue scientists from a London institute, bent on stealing what they find.
This was a great adventure to be had, and illustrated generously. I’d recommend it to young readers 9+ for the slight complexity of plot and language.
📚: @definitelybookskids
At home, she’s treated shoddily by her parents who prefer having boys and who are scornful of her aunt, Ruth, who is a scientist herself discriminated for her gender.
Amy Raphael spins a story entirely new to me. Inspired by her aunt, Nico is fascinated with fossilized plants and seeds, and the scientist on board the Anthos is pursuing an Italian myth about a Tree of Hope and its fossilized seeds that could be the answer to world hunger.
Nico and her two new friends, Matteo and Etienne, have to race against time to find these seeds — with pirates sent by rogue scientists from a London institute, bent on stealing what they find.
This was a great adventure to be had, and illustrated generously. I’d recommend it to young readers 9+ for the slight complexity of plot and language.
📚: @definitelybookskids
February 4, 2022
The Ship of Cloud and Stars is an inspiring adventure with a nod to the female scientists of old. With an ambitious and inquisitive female protagonist, a brilliant scientist aunt who disguises herself as a man to have a presence in the scientific world and an adventure on the high seas in search of fossils, this is a great STEM read that touches on the reality of women's history in the sciences.
Brave and determined Nico Cloud accidentally finds herself on an adventure she'd always dreamed of and makes some firm friends along the way. It's a pleasant read and there's lots to inspire, although I didn't find it quite as satisfying as other MG stories - perhaps one for lower middle grade, or a nice easy read for older MG.
Brave and determined Nico Cloud accidentally finds herself on an adventure she'd always dreamed of and makes some firm friends along the way. It's a pleasant read and there's lots to inspire, although I didn't find it quite as satisfying as other MG stories - perhaps one for lower middle grade, or a nice easy read for older MG.
September 26, 2023
THE SHIP OF CLOUD AND STARS by Amy Raphael.
This book is about an amazing young girl who is called Nico Cloud and all she wants to be is an explorer and travel the world however her parents do not think that girls should be explorers.
One day Nico follows a black cat into a ship and gets stuck there as the ship sailed away. Luckily for her, she knows the captain of this ship and like Nico, the captain loves adventure too.
Nico embarks on this great adventure and discovery.
This book is really just full of wonder. The one thing I love about this book is how Nico is such a strong girl who has a dream and she won't let anyone tell her otherwise.
She has a dream and she will follow it.
This book is magical and inspiring.
I recommend for readers 8+
This book is about an amazing young girl who is called Nico Cloud and all she wants to be is an explorer and travel the world however her parents do not think that girls should be explorers.
One day Nico follows a black cat into a ship and gets stuck there as the ship sailed away. Luckily for her, she knows the captain of this ship and like Nico, the captain loves adventure too.
Nico embarks on this great adventure and discovery.
This book is really just full of wonder. The one thing I love about this book is how Nico is such a strong girl who has a dream and she won't let anyone tell her otherwise.
She has a dream and she will follow it.
This book is magical and inspiring.
I recommend for readers 8+
October 23, 2022
Nico Cloud lives with her parents and twin siblings. However, she is not happy as they are very dismissive of her and her love for science. The newspaper report showing her father's sister is in the nearby port is thrown in the fire. Nico retrieves it and plans to go and see her aunt. Before she knows is she is a stowaway, but the Dr Hamilton on the ship is a man. Her planned adventure has gone badly wrong, or perhaps not as wrong as she thinks it has. Pirates, storms and new friends make this an adventure to remember, but how will Nico fare?
A fun read, great illustrations and an education too.
A fun read, great illustrations and an education too.
February 7, 2022
Like Nico, I absolutely believe facts and fiction complement one another. I am both a creative and a scientist and I would have loved this book as a middle-grade reader (I loved it as an adult too!)
The author's prose lifts the reader and sweeps them along like the waves beneath the Anthos, and the main character, Nico, I think will appeal to any young reader who loves to dig for fossils and sketch their scientific finds.
Thank you to Hachette kids for sending me an early proof version of the book in exchange for an honest review
The author's prose lifts the reader and sweeps them along like the waves beneath the Anthos, and the main character, Nico, I think will appeal to any young reader who loves to dig for fossils and sketch their scientific finds.
Thank you to Hachette kids for sending me an early proof version of the book in exchange for an honest review
May 6, 2022
Listened to the audiobook. It was great to listen to an adventure across the seas filled with science and cultural lessons. I learned a lot about ships, seeds, and fossils.
The core message of this book is to treat your enemies with kindness and not revert to doing what they do, equality for women that should be allowed to do their research in peace and get credit, and to save seeds to ensure food for the future generations.
Reminds me of the Tintin comics from my childhood.
Also amazing cover, that's what made me get into this adventure.
The core message of this book is to treat your enemies with kindness and not revert to doing what they do, equality for women that should be allowed to do their research in peace and get credit, and to save seeds to ensure food for the future generations.
Reminds me of the Tintin comics from my childhood.
Also amazing cover, that's what made me get into this adventure.
July 9, 2022
Best book I have ever read in history! The reason I loved this book above all the others is because.....there is no violence! I have never realised how valuable a volume is when it is relaxing and calm!
If your older than 12+ then maybe this book might be too childish for you but other than that nothing bad about it! I mean, you know what they say "A fossil is the past but a seed is the future."
Note to Amy Raphael:
Keep up all the amazing and joyful work you put in to form an exquisite book!
100/10
If your older than 12+ then maybe this book might be too childish for you but other than that nothing bad about it! I mean, you know what they say "A fossil is the past but a seed is the future."
Note to Amy Raphael:
Keep up all the amazing and joyful work you put in to form an exquisite book!
100/10
February 6, 2022
I enjoyed this! A plucky young girl who wants to be a scientist ends up aboard a ship with a female scientist on board! I loved Nico as a main character, and every ship needs a cat, right? You’ve got a lovely story about friendship, bravery and kindness… all wrapped in some gorgeous science! Loved the illustrations too!! Women absolutely deserve their places in the world as much as men do - in universities, in ships, EVERYWHERE.
July 11, 2022
This is a fun adventure story for Lower MG readers that encourages following your passion, empowering women, and choosing your family. Also see VOYAGE TO THE MAGICAL NORTH for more seafaring and scientific fun.
Not my cup of tea. The incredibly performed audio narration vastly improved the overall experience.
Not my cup of tea. The incredibly performed audio narration vastly improved the overall experience.
July 5, 2024
I enjoyed reading this adventure of Nico and friends for my baby. (when I ran out of things to talk about hehe) I think a 9+ kid would love the simple plot about carving the path to your dreams, friendship, and the love of science, myths, sailing, and breaking the status quo. Personally I find sailing boring, but the quest to Sicily kept me going.
February 27, 2022
This was a really quick and enjoyable read. And it's interesting, which helps the pages fly by. The information about seeds is great as well.
April 15, 2024
4.99 hehe 😜 I really liked this book, though I think the title is not very suitable. Like it doesn’t really mean anything. ☹️ it should be like…. Something else. 🤔🤷♀️
May 28, 2024
I did not expect it to be set in the 1800s, but it was still a good book
January 5, 2022
Thank you Hachette Aus for the review copy of The Ship of Clouds and Stars by Amy Raphael.
This book is a gorgeous middle-grade adventure, which follows young Nico Cloud, who desperately wants to be a scientist and palaeontologist. But in 1832 young girls are not meant to be interested in science or fossils but in embroidery and dresses.
But Nico won’t let that stop her and when she accidentally stows away on a ship, she is catapulted on the adventure of a lifetime. Nico is a clever and determined MC and I found myself rooting for her the entire way
I really enjoyed this MG adventure. It is filled with likeable characters and vivid storytelling. There are also scientific facts dotted throughout that I found both educating and interesting.
I would recommend this for fans of MG books and adventures on the sea.
4.5 Stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 💫
This book is a gorgeous middle-grade adventure, which follows young Nico Cloud, who desperately wants to be a scientist and palaeontologist. But in 1832 young girls are not meant to be interested in science or fossils but in embroidery and dresses.
But Nico won’t let that stop her and when she accidentally stows away on a ship, she is catapulted on the adventure of a lifetime. Nico is a clever and determined MC and I found myself rooting for her the entire way
I really enjoyed this MG adventure. It is filled with likeable characters and vivid storytelling. There are also scientific facts dotted throughout that I found both educating and interesting.
I would recommend this for fans of MG books and adventures on the sea.
4.5 Stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 💫
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews