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Little Cloud and Lady Wind
Little Cloud likes her own place in the sky, away from the other clouds. There, the sky is all hers. She is free to make her own way and go where she wishes. Can Lady Wind show Little Cloud the power of being with others? Will Little Cloud agree there is strength in unity and change her ways? A fresh take on a classic story, Little Cloud and Lady Wind will teach kids how to work together to achieve their goals.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
1 person is currently reading
359 people want to read
About the author
Toni Morrison
241 books23.8k followersChloe Anthony Wofford Morrison, known as Toni Morrison, was an American novelist and editor. Her first novel, The Bluest Eye, was published in 1970. The critically acclaimed Song of Solomon (1977) brought her national attention and won the National Book Critics Circle Award. In 1988, Morrison won the Pulitzer Prize for Beloved (1987); she was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1993.
Born and raised in Lorain, Ohio, Morrison graduated from Howard University in 1953 with a B.A. in English. Morrison earned a master's degree in American Literature from Cornell University in 1955. In 1957 she returned to Howard University, was married, and had two children before divorcing in 1964. Morrison became the first black female editor for fiction at Random House in New York City in the late 1960s. She developed her own reputation as an author in the 1970s and '80s. Her novel Beloved was made into a film in 1998. Morrison's works are praised for addressing the harsh consequences of racism in the United States and the Black American experience.
The National Endowment for the Humanities selected Morrison for the Jefferson Lecture, the U.S. federal government's highest honor for achievement in the humanities, in 1996. She was honored with the National Book Foundation's Medal of Distinguished Contribution to American Letters the same year. President Barack Obama presented her with the Presidential Medal of Freedom on May 29, 2012. She received the PEN/Saul Bellow Award for Achievement in American Fiction in 2016. Morrison was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame in 2020.
Born and raised in Lorain, Ohio, Morrison graduated from Howard University in 1953 with a B.A. in English. Morrison earned a master's degree in American Literature from Cornell University in 1955. In 1957 she returned to Howard University, was married, and had two children before divorcing in 1964. Morrison became the first black female editor for fiction at Random House in New York City in the late 1960s. She developed her own reputation as an author in the 1970s and '80s. Her novel Beloved was made into a film in 1998. Morrison's works are praised for addressing the harsh consequences of racism in the United States and the Black American experience.
The National Endowment for the Humanities selected Morrison for the Jefferson Lecture, the U.S. federal government's highest honor for achievement in the humanities, in 1996. She was honored with the National Book Foundation's Medal of Distinguished Contribution to American Letters the same year. President Barack Obama presented her with the Presidential Medal of Freedom on May 29, 2012. She received the PEN/Saul Bellow Award for Achievement in American Fiction in 2016. Morrison was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame in 2020.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
March 28, 2019
A little uneven, but ultimately sweet tale of a cloud who wants to be a part of things, but not as a frightening storm. She finds her way with some guidance.
July 21, 2024
I adored this. And the babies just beamed at the illustrations for some reason!
November 4, 2014
This book is about a bunch of clouds that live in the sky. They all stay together so they can terrify the Earth making rain storms and thunder. One cloud did not want to be part of the other clouds and terrify the Earth. She decided to find her own quite space to float in the sky. She became very lonely but loved the Earth thought it was very beautiful. She wanted to be able to touch the Earth so that she could lie down on the valley flowers or the silver topped waves. One day she felt something pushing her while she was sleeping. She eventually woke up after feeling several more pushes. She found out that the person that was pushing her was lady winds. Lady Wind saw her dream and told the little cloud that she could help. Lady winds picked up the little cloud and they began to fly across the sky. They began to go through the dark clouds which really scared little cloud. Lady Wind told her not to be scared, and as they flew they where chased by thunderclouds. Little Cloud he;d on very tight and tried to hide under lady winds dress. She eventually fell asleep in Lady Wind's arms. Eventually little cloud woke up and saw little pearls falling from her clothes. Lady Wind explained to her that it was called dew. The Lady wind continued to explain to her what a rainbow was and Little Cloud realized that they were in a valley. She also noticed that there were many other clouds around her that looked exactly the same. Lady Wind also explained to her what mist was and the Little Cloud realized that she was what caused all three of those things. Is Little Cloud in paradise or is this just a crazy dream of what she wishes will happen.
This book teaches children many things. For example they learn what Mist, Dew, and a rainbow are and a little of where they come from. This also teaches kids that they do not have follow peer pressure. If they want to do or act a different way than everyone else then they can. If children learn to persevere then they can overcome anything and maybe even eventually find others just like them. It also teaches children that it is okay to get help from others. You can not always do things by yourself and every once n a while you will need help from someone else. For example she excepts help from Lady Wind because she believes that she can help her. This can also give kids a bad message because they may not know who they can trust or not. It also makes them more likely to trust the wrong person and end up in a place they do not belong.
The illustrations are very nice and look very realistic. The clouds have faces and it look kinds of funny because there faces all come out the bottom of the cloud. This makes it look like they all have afros. Lady Wind also look very long and whitish blue like wind is always drawn in the books. I also like how the make it look like Lady Winds is taking her from lightness to darkness as they fly. They make it seem like the Lady Wind is the light guiding her through the darkness. Overall this is a very entertaining book and teaches a few lessons that can be used in the future.
This book teaches children many things. For example they learn what Mist, Dew, and a rainbow are and a little of where they come from. This also teaches kids that they do not have follow peer pressure. If they want to do or act a different way than everyone else then they can. If children learn to persevere then they can overcome anything and maybe even eventually find others just like them. It also teaches children that it is okay to get help from others. You can not always do things by yourself and every once n a while you will need help from someone else. For example she excepts help from Lady Wind because she believes that she can help her. This can also give kids a bad message because they may not know who they can trust or not. It also makes them more likely to trust the wrong person and end up in a place they do not belong.
The illustrations are very nice and look very realistic. The clouds have faces and it look kinds of funny because there faces all come out the bottom of the cloud. This makes it look like they all have afros. Lady Wind also look very long and whitish blue like wind is always drawn in the books. I also like how the make it look like Lady Winds is taking her from lightness to darkness as they fly. They make it seem like the Lady Wind is the light guiding her through the darkness. Overall this is a very entertaining book and teaches a few lessons that can be used in the future.
January 27, 2018
The story alone would probably be only two stars from me, but the illustrations bumped it up to three. I loved the texture and rather dreamy feel of the paintings.
Not actually a folktale or legend, but has that feel, so I still shelved it there.
For being a Toni Morrison book, it was rather... bland, I guess. The summaries and blurbs didn't capture the story or the message for me. And definitely didn't get that this was inspired by Aesop's "Bundle of Sticks" - I never saw the "whole is mightier than any single part" side to the story at all. I saw Little Cloud get taken on a wild ride by Lady Wind, which showed her that clouds could do more than mass together as thunderstorms. So she can be part of something greater by going on a rollercoaster and falling asleep terrified? That's really what she did with Lady Wind, yet it showed her that she can do more than she had been doing previously? Weird way to send the message that you can still do a lot even when you don't follow the group.
Not actually a folktale or legend, but has that feel, so I still shelved it there.
For being a Toni Morrison book, it was rather... bland, I guess. The summaries and blurbs didn't capture the story or the message for me. And definitely didn't get that this was inspired by Aesop's "Bundle of Sticks" - I never saw the "whole is mightier than any single part" side to the story at all. I saw Little Cloud get taken on a wild ride by Lady Wind, which showed her that clouds could do more than mass together as thunderstorms. So she can be part of something greater by going on a rollercoaster and falling asleep terrified? That's really what she did with Lady Wind, yet it showed her that she can do more than she had been doing previously? Weird way to send the message that you can still do a lot even when you don't follow the group.
May 29, 2023
Brilliant, inspired, inspiring -- attributes like these seem to come automatically when it's a book by Toni Morrison and her son Slade.
A favorite quote goes like this:
Nice as it was in her home in the sky, Little Cloud was lonely.
She liked being free but felt sad that all she would ever be was a cloud:
soft, drifting, and helpless.
Little Cloud was helped by Lady Wind. We readers can be helped by reading their story... so full of wisdom, all the way through to a beautiful ending.
A favorite quote goes like this:
Nice as it was in her home in the sky, Little Cloud was lonely.
She liked being free but felt sad that all she would ever be was a cloud:
soft, drifting, and helpless.
Little Cloud was helped by Lady Wind. We readers can be helped by reading their story... so full of wisdom, all the way through to a beautiful ending.
October 27, 2023
Pretty, but simplistic & unsatisfying. And yet still, somehow, a bit confusing. Little Cloud did not get what she asked for, but something else, nonetheless she's happy now? Read in A Toni Morrison Treasury: .
March 1, 2021
Challenges: Reading Goal Posts/21 in 2021 - Project Two/Reading Toni Morrison (Black History Month). For those who do not want to follow the fearsome crowd and need a mentor to realize one's own potential. A little cloud befriends the earth with her dew, mist and rainbows instead of lightning, thunder and torrential rain. Illustrations are softly rendered in acrylics, collage, and pencil by Sean Qualls.
December 13, 2021
The more you give yourself away, the more you become you? Or the other thing? A cloud is a cloud ☁️ when it holds its water? But is still a cloud when it gives away its rain. 🌧 I don’t know. This book is messing with my mind.
January 20, 2025
Little Cloud finds herself alone in the sky after she refuses to join the other clouds and terrorize the earth with their storms. Little Cloud dreams of having legs and arms. When Little Cloud meets Lady Wind, they set off on a journey that Little Cloud has only dreamed of.
March 14, 2019
I am me and all the things I dreamed of
Not bad
A bit long
Not bad
A bit long
August 11, 2019
Beautiful language And imagery. So imaginative.
Read
August 30, 2019Picture M8812L 2010
January 3, 2021
Beautiful story amd even more beautiful illustrations.
February 7, 2022
A beautifully told and illustrated story about a little cloud and Lady Wind.
Read-aloud supplement for our Cloud Day activities (1st-grade hs)
Read-aloud supplement for our Cloud Day activities (1st-grade hs)
May 1, 2022
toni morrison childrens books are my new favorite
November 2, 2022
Yes, a little uneven. But the moral of the story is important!
December 19, 2016
The biggest cloud of all has asked all the clouds to stick together so they can "be strong" and "terrify the earth with storm and thunder." But one cloud, Little Cloud, has no desire to terrify anyone, so she drifts on her own "not wanting to blend into a group and lose her freedom." Little Cloud dreams instead of being something much more beautiful, something colorful like the "purple mountains with scarves of snow," the "valleys full of bright flowers and tall green grass," and the "silver waves rippling over oceans of ever-changing colors." She wants to lie down, swim, skip, and play.
At night, while she sleeps, Little Cloud is visited by Lady Wind, who has seen her dream and wants to grant her wishes. Little Cloud is afraid, but Lady Wind comforts her, bringing her safely through a thunderstorm, to their destination, an unknown location where Little Cloud is now dripping with dew, and can see a rainbow surrounded by little clouds, and mist. Little Cloud learns that she can still be a cloud and do her own thing.
This book is really interesting to look at - the colors and textures of each form of weather invoke feelings of coolness, moisture, gentle rain, and warm sun, as well as the anger, intensity, and violence of thunderstorms. I especially love the way the illustrator depicts the floating and flying of the wind and the cloud.
My complaint, though, is that the message of the story itself is too heavy-handed. From the start, we're told that Little Cloud wants to keep her freedom, and that being part of a group won't allow her to do that. The arc of the story follows a sort of metaphor for life - the message seems to be that if we break free from whatever is holding us down, and fight through the difficulties with the help of those who care for us, we will find a way to be ourselves and also make our dreams come true. Unfortunately, this theme is put forth without an ounce of subtlety, and the concepts are much too abstract and heavy for most picture book readers. There is both too much overt metaphor and not enough outright explanation at the same time, and the moral gets lost in the complex and convoluted storytelling.
For better books on the joy of being yourself, try Incredible Me by Kathi Appelt, Tacky the Penguin by Helen Lester, anything by Todd Parr, and Blue Chameleon by Emily Gravett.
At night, while she sleeps, Little Cloud is visited by Lady Wind, who has seen her dream and wants to grant her wishes. Little Cloud is afraid, but Lady Wind comforts her, bringing her safely through a thunderstorm, to their destination, an unknown location where Little Cloud is now dripping with dew, and can see a rainbow surrounded by little clouds, and mist. Little Cloud learns that she can still be a cloud and do her own thing.
This book is really interesting to look at - the colors and textures of each form of weather invoke feelings of coolness, moisture, gentle rain, and warm sun, as well as the anger, intensity, and violence of thunderstorms. I especially love the way the illustrator depicts the floating and flying of the wind and the cloud.
My complaint, though, is that the message of the story itself is too heavy-handed. From the start, we're told that Little Cloud wants to keep her freedom, and that being part of a group won't allow her to do that. The arc of the story follows a sort of metaphor for life - the message seems to be that if we break free from whatever is holding us down, and fight through the difficulties with the help of those who care for us, we will find a way to be ourselves and also make our dreams come true. Unfortunately, this theme is put forth without an ounce of subtlety, and the concepts are much too abstract and heavy for most picture book readers. There is both too much overt metaphor and not enough outright explanation at the same time, and the moral gets lost in the complex and convoluted storytelling.
For better books on the joy of being yourself, try Incredible Me by Kathi Appelt, Tacky the Penguin by Helen Lester, anything by Todd Parr, and Blue Chameleon by Emily Gravett.
March 10, 2010
Toni Morrison is one of the true classic authors of our time, and I was not at all disappointed in her ability to translate that writing proficiency to the picture-book level.
The language of Little Cloud and Lady Wind is lovely and majestic, seeping through the story to deliver it like a rain cloud, sending the thoughts of the narrative down to us like sweet rain. Little Cloud is not happy with her lot in life high above the earth, always peering down at its people but never able to stand upon its firm ground herself. Lady Wind comes and leads Little Cloud on a tour of the globe one night, showing her that the clouds are more than just what one sees in the sky; they are made manifest in the fog and the mists and in so many other ways. Little Cloud realizes that she is not trapped high in the stratosphere, but that she truly is an integral part of the wonderful world that unfolds beneath the clouds.
The writing of Toni Morrison in this book is unsurpassed for its beauty and originality. Little Cloud and Lady Wind unfurls with all the visceral, intense focus of a Native American legend, and has important ideas to teach all of us. I would give it my earnest recommendation, and maybe two and a half stars.
The language of Little Cloud and Lady Wind is lovely and majestic, seeping through the story to deliver it like a rain cloud, sending the thoughts of the narrative down to us like sweet rain. Little Cloud is not happy with her lot in life high above the earth, always peering down at its people but never able to stand upon its firm ground herself. Lady Wind comes and leads Little Cloud on a tour of the globe one night, showing her that the clouds are more than just what one sees in the sky; they are made manifest in the fog and the mists and in so many other ways. Little Cloud realizes that she is not trapped high in the stratosphere, but that she truly is an integral part of the wonderful world that unfolds beneath the clouds.
The writing of Toni Morrison in this book is unsurpassed for its beauty and originality. Little Cloud and Lady Wind unfurls with all the visceral, intense focus of a Native American legend, and has important ideas to teach all of us. I would give it my earnest recommendation, and maybe two and a half stars.
February 11, 2010
A few reviews have been somewhat critical of this book's ties to Aesop's Bundle of Sticks fable and of whether kids would get it. I think it works on two levels. The Morrisons' may have been inspired by the fable and there is material to discuss about where Little Cloud fits in and whether she is stronger as part of a group. It is also is a simple, charming story about Little Cloud's dreams that is very accessible to children. I read the book without knowing it was based on the fable and just really enjoyed it.
The illustrations are lovely. I loved the color palette used. The blue of sky seems is in every image coloring even the green earth and trees. I never thought about wind having a color, but Lady Wind's hair is it!
The illustrations are lovely. I loved the color palette used. The blue of sky seems is in every image coloring even the green earth and trees. I never thought about wind having a color, but Lady Wind's hair is it!
April 13, 2013
This is a modern fantasy story about a little cloud who isn’t happy being a cloud that makes thunder and rain like the rest. She sees the earth below and wants to live and play and be on her own because it’s so beautiful. This story teaches a great moral: Little cloud soon understands that everything has a special place in the world, especially her. The illustrations are very original and great. I wasn't really interested in this story at first but as i kept reading, it began catching my attention and i wanted to know more and more what was going to happen to little cloud. This can be a great book to incorporate in the classroom when learning about weather.
September 22, 2013
This is a beautifully illustrated story about a Little Cloud who wishes that she was part of the Earth instead of a being of a sky, for as a cloud she feels "soft, drifting, and helpless." Then, one night, Lady Wind gently wakes her and shows her that even though she does not have legs to walk or swim or skip, she is the dew that helps create rainbows and the mist that touches the ground. The book ends with little cloud thinking: "I am me and all the things I dreamed of." Based on Aesop's "The Bundle of Sticks," this work promotes embracing one's own strengths and re-imagining his/her goals and dreams.
February 7, 2015
Little Cloud and Lady Wind was a super cute story about a little cloud that didn't want to gain up on something that was so beautiful like her other cloud friends. She had dreams of walking and touching the earth and Lady Wind showed her ways that she could be herself yet be apart of something else as well. The writing was very descriptive and allowed you to imagine exactly what was being said. The pictures were a combination of dark and gloomy yet bright and happy as well. I thought this book was very good because everyone feels lonely and wants to do something with their lives, but sometimes you have to be patient and one day your will find your way.
May 19, 2015
This folktale-like original story has its roots in Aesop's fable about a competition between the sun and the wind. Here, Little Cloud does not want to join the other clouds in terrorizing the people of earth, but it is only through the intervention of Lady Wind does she learn the other powers of being a cloud. The muted palette of blues and grays works wonderfully here to convey the world and feelings of our shy main character.
April 29, 2020
I liked the idea behind this book, but I don't know if younger children, for whom the book is intended, would find it very interesting or engaging. I feel like children would become lost and wouldn't understand what the story is actually about. It's a lovely lesson, but like I said it doesn't seem accessible for younger children and older children wouldn't be entertained by it. The illustrations were lovely and whimsical though!
April 9, 2011
A cloud drifts away from the crowd wanting to be free. However, she soon feels lonely and then meets the lady wind. Lady wind takes her to places and then the cloud becomes part of a dew, mist, and rainbow. I guess this could be a creation story and little bit of science too. I like the illustration and the colors used in the book. Grade 1-2
July 31, 2013
This work has beautiful pictures and a very uninteresting, attempted poetic story. I would give the story a single star, but because the artwork is beautiful I had to restrain myself. Sure, some girl may enjoy it, but probably mostly because of the pics.
I'd skip it. There are plenty better picture books out there.
I'd skip it. There are plenty better picture books out there.
June 5, 2010
This is a book of metaphors, with a woman (wind) guiding and mentoring a young girl (little cloud) to revel in her individuality and not to be afraid of becoming part of a bigger whole. Very metaphysical, yet still within the reach of comprehension for children.
August 22, 2010
Little Cloud dreams of playing down at planet earth. Lady wind helps her wish come true. Little Cloud sees that with rainbows and dew she has already achieved her dream. The adorable book allows readers and children to think of their dreams. Their dreams may already be a reality!
December 6, 2010
Genre: Traditional
Copyright: 2010
A sweet little tale about the purpose one finds in little talents. Interesting that this is a mother son duo. Creative illustrations and poetic word choice- what you would expect from Toni Morrison. :-)
Copyright: 2010
A sweet little tale about the purpose one finds in little talents. Interesting that this is a mother son duo. Creative illustrations and poetic word choice- what you would expect from Toni Morrison. :-)
December 23, 2010
Little Cloud wants her freedom, but she finds that floating in the sky by herself is lonely. Lady Wind comes along and shows Little Cloud how she can be herself and still be part of something greater.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews