A minor addition to Carle's lengthy list of child-captivating titles, this lean tale introduces a cloud that changes itself into a handful of shapes. Calling upon memories of objects it has seen, Little Cloud becomes a plane, a shark, trees, a rabbit and a clown before rejoining its peers. At this point they do what clouds are apt to do when they get together: "Then all the clouds changed into one big cloud and rained!" Popping out from a textured background of rich turquoise, Carle's luminous collage art features broad, swirling strokes reminiscent of fingerpainting. As minimalist as the text, these images may well inspire kids to cast more creative glances at the sky. Although the conceit is imaginative, the execution lacks the inventiveness and extra sparkle of such Carle classics as the "Very" quartet. Ages 2-6. (Apr.)
Bring on the foul-weather gear—April has arrived. We’re ready to face those infamous seasonal pre-flower showers with rubber wellies and oversized umbrellas in tow. So this month, go outside with the kiddies and embrace the wet-and-wild fun. Seeing those tiny tongues catch fresh raindrops and little feet jumping in muddy puddles will brighten even the […]