The Cloud Spinner

Written by Michael Catchpool · Illustrated by Alison Jay

A boy's gift to weave cloud cloth risks unraveling the world when a king demands more.

5.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 1,296 ratings

32 pages· 893 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud· ~630L

In stock. Also at Amazon.

Bookroo's summary

A young boy can weave cloth from clouds, creating beauty in harmony with nature. But when a king demands more than the boy can wisely provide, the balance of the world is threatened. As the boy struggles to meet the king's insatiable desires, the natural world begins to change in alarming ways. Can he find the courage to stand up for what is right and protect the fragile beauty around him? This enchanting tale explores the tension between human greed and the wisdom needed to preserve our environment, leaving readers to ponder the true cost of unchecked desires.

From the publisher

Perfect for Earth Day–and all through the year. From author Michael Catchpool and illustrator Alison Jay comes a magical tale about the beauty and fragility of our natural world, and the wisdom and courage needed to protect it.

One small boy has a special gift—he can weave cloth from the clouds: gold in the early morning with the rising sun, white in the afternoon, and crimson in the evening. He spins just enough cloth for a warm scarf. But when the king sees the boy’s magnificent cloth, he demands cloaks and gowns galore. “It would not be wise,” the boy protests. “Your majesty does not need them!” But spin he must—and soon the world around him begins to change….

At a glance

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 32
Words: 893
Reading age: 5–8
Audience: Picture
Lexile: ~630L

Themes & topics

Books about the environment Books about clouds Books about Earth Day Books about greed

What readers & critics say

Reviews

5.0

out of 7

4.5

“A story about greed and consequences and a boy that learned to spin clothes from the clouds in the sky from his mother. One day the king spots the boy's magnificent scarf which he has made from the clouds and demands to have his own. The king's demands for new clothes continue until there are no more clouds in the sky. As a consequence, no rain falls and his people begin to suffer.”

Mr. Staccato

Trusted reviewer

The author